Holy Ghost Goal: Super Falcons star Abiodun admits stealing Alozie’s celebration against South Africa

Nigeria’s Super Falcons midfielder Deborah Abiodun has honestly admitted to “stealing” the goal celebration originally meant for teammate Michelle Alozie during their dramatic semifinal clash against South Africa at WAFCON 2024.

The thrilling semifinal held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, saw the Super Falcons edge out the Banyana Banyana with a 2-1 victory to book their place in the final. 

The match was a tense, tightly contested affair with both teams displaying solid defensive discipline and limited attacking opportunities in the early minutes.

Nigeria drew first blood just before halftime when captain Rasheedat Ajibade confidently converted a penalty kick awarded to the host nation. 

However, South Africa responded in the 60th minute through Linda Motlhalo, who also scored a penalty after a foul by Osinachi Ohale, levelling the score and igniting the battle.

In response, Nigerian head coach Justin Madugu made key substitutions, bringing in Christy Ucheibe and Deborah Abiodun to boost midfield energy. 

The pivotal moment arrived deep into additional time in the second half when Alozie delivered a precise long ball that brilliantly sailed into the net.

What followed, however, was a moment of confusion and humour. Abiodun, caught up in the excitement, initially celebrated the goal as her own, sparking a viral sensation across social media. 

Yet, replay footage confirmed that the spectacular strike was Alozie’s brilliance, which the Houston Dash star has since described as ‘Holy ghost goal.’

Speaking to the media and fans during a meet and greet in Lagos on Thursday night, Abiodun laughed about the incident. 

“I stole the celebration,” she admitted. “Honestly, I thought maybe my head touched the ball because Chinwe (Ihezuo) and I were running towards it. I looked back and saw the ball in the net and thought, ‘Did I score?’ But the end of the day, I was like, ‘Michelle, that’s your goal, it’s all you, sis.’”

She went on to praise her teammate, saying, “I just want to say God bless her for kicking that ball.”

The Super Falcons held their advantage to win the match and advance to the WAFCON final, where they ultimately secured their 10th title, further cementing their legacy as Africa’s dominant women’s football team.

Deborah Abiodun’s humble and humorous admission only added to the celebratory mood surrounding the Falcons’ emphatic win, showing the strong bond within the team and the joy of shared victory.