Game Card:
Fixture: Super Falcons (Nigeria) vs Banyana Banyana (South Africa)
Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Kickoff: 5:00 PM (Nigerian Time)
Venue: Prince Larbi – Zaouli Stadium Casablanca Morocco
Read Also: WAFCON 2024: Super Falcons Ready to End South Africa’s Seven-Year Unbeaten Streak
How to Watch: SuperSport (DStv), SABC Sport, Afro Sports, Online Streaming
A Continental Rivalry Rekindled in Rabat
Two of Africa’s most dominant forces in women’s football — Nigeria and South Africa — are set for a heavyweight showdown in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Rabat, Morocco.
The Super Falcons, record nine-time champions, are eyeing a return to continental supremacy after falling short in 2022. On the other side, reigning champions Banyana Banyana are determined to hold onto their crown and prove their triumph three years ago was no coincidence.
Road to the Semifinal
Nigeria – Ruthless and Resolute
The Super Falcons have been in commanding form, reaching the semi-final without conceding a single goal.
Group Stage Results:
Nigeria 3–0 Tunisia
Nigeria 1–0 Botswana
Nigeria 0–0 Algeria
Quarterfinal:
Nigeria 5–0 Zambia
Led by head coach Justin Madugu, Nigeria have blended defensive discipline with attacking flair.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been outstanding between the sticks, while the experience of Asisat Oshoala may just come handy in this game, the South Africa’s will have a lot to deal with if the likes of like Chiwendu Ihezuo Rasheedat Ajibade, Esther Okwonkwo, Ashley Plumptre, Ohale, Demehin and Toni Payne keep their tournament form, which have been pivotal in why Nigeria is in the Semi final.
Justin Madugu (Nigeria Head Coach):
“This is not just another semifinal game — it’s a clash of champions. We respect South Africa’s quality, but we believe in our preparation and our players. We want to show the strength of Nigerian football once again.”
South Africa – Champions Tested
Banyana Banyana’s journey to the semifinals has been less straightforward, but their resilience and experience have seen them through.
Group Stage Results:
South Africa 2–0 Ghana
South Africa 1–1 Tanzania
South Africa 4–0 Mali
Quarterfinal:
South Africa 0–0 Senegal (Won 4–1 on penalties)
Coach Desiree Ellis’s side boasts experience and flair, with stars such as Thembi Kgatlana, Linda Motlhalo, and Jermaine Seoposenwe capable of breaking open any defence.
Desiree Ellis (South Africa Head Coach):
“Facing Nigeria is always tough, but we’re not afraid of big games. We know what it takes to win at this level. This team has heart, experience, and belief — and we are ready to defend our title.”
Head-to-Head: A Historic Rivalry
Total WAFCON Meetings: 10
Nigeria Wins: 7
South Africa Wins: 3
Notable Encounters:
2022 Group Stage: South Africa 2–1 Nigeria
2018 Final: Nigeria 0–0 South Africa (Nigeria won on penalties)
While Nigeria has the upper hand historically, South Africa have enjoyed recent success, including their famous group stage win in 2022. This adds extra spice to an already intense fixture.
What’s at Stake
A place in the WAFCON 2024 final and a shot at continental glory. For Nigeria, a win would be a statement of revival and dominance. For South Africa, it’s a mission to cement their reign at the top of African women’s football.
Note, Nigeria has never gone two WAFCON without being crowned a champion and no other nation has defended the WAFCON apart from Nigeria and the South Africans are faced with the chance to rewrite the history book.
Prediction & Expectations
This promises to be a closely contested tie. Nigeria’s form, balance, and tournament pedigree may give them the edge, but South Africa’s unity and big-game experience cannot be ignored.
Expect fireworks in Rabat as two titans collide.
The winner will not only move one step closer to lifting the WAFCON trophy but also assert continental supremacy.
Kickoff is set for 5:00 PM Nigerian time. Fans across Africa and beyond will be watching
