Two of Africa’s fiercest rivals will collide once more, as record champions Nigeria, take on reigning champions South Africa in the 2024 WAFCON semifinals on Tuesday, at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca.
This heavyweight clash is more than just a semifinal, it’s the latest chapter in one of African women’s football’s most enduring and high-stakes matchups.
A FAMILIAR FOE
This will be the 12th WAFCON meeting between Nigeria and South Africa, and their eighth straight clash at the tournament dating back to 2006. Their most recent encounter came at the 2022 WAFCON group stage, where Banyana Banyana stunned the Super Falcons 2–1, one of several signs that the gap between the two sides has narrowed.
Nigeria still hold the historical advantage, with 8 wins in 11 WAFCON clashes, including a dramatic penalty shootout victory in the 2018 final. But South Africa, under coach Desiree Ellis, are unbeaten in open play in their last three meetings against Nigeria (W2 D1), losing only once, on penalties.
HISTORY FAVOURS NIGERIA, BUT MOMENTUM WITH SOUTH AFRICA
The Super Falcons boast a glittering WAFCON record: nine titles, 13 semifinal appearances, and no goals conceded so far in the 2024 edition. Nigeria have played 15 knockout games in WAFCON history (W11 L3), and victory on Tuesday would take them to a record-extending 10th final.
But South Africa’s form cannot be overlooked. They are unbeaten in their last 11 matches across all competitions, winning 9, and are looking to reach their third WAFCON final in four editions under Ellis.
Their only WAFCON semifinal win over Nigeria came in 2012 (1–0). Nigeria responded in the 2014 (2–1) and 2016 (1–0) semifinals.
SUPER FALCONS: DEFENSIVE STEEL, OFFENSIVE DEPTH
The Super Falcons have been clinical and composed in Morocco. They have yet to concede a goal in the tournament, their longest since 1998. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has only had to make two saves in four matches.
Their 5–0 quarterfinal demolition of Zambia showcased their firepower, with five different players getting on the scoresheet. Striker Chinwendu Ihezuo leads the team with three goals, while seven different players have scored in this tournament.
Nigeria registered seven shots on target and faced none, a sign of their growing maturity and tactical discipline.
BANYANA BANYANA: HUNGRY TO DEFEND THE CROWN
South Africa, the defending champions, have momentum on their side. Their 2022 WAFCON triumph included a 2–1 group-stage win over Nigeria, with goals from Jermaine Seoposenwe and Hildah Magaia. They’ve since built a reputation for composure, unity, and game management.
Ellis’ squad arrives in Casablanca as Africa’s form team, with confidence high and belief growing that they can repeat their title-winning feat. South Africa’s last two WAFCON wins over Nigeria have come in the group stage, but Tuesday offers a chance to prove they can do it again when it matters most.
MATCH DETAILS
Match: Nigeria vs South Africa
Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM (WAT)
Venue: Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca
Referee: Shamirah Nabadda (Uganda)
WHAT THEY SAY
Justine Madugu (Nigeria head coach):
“I have emphasized that we have come to play six games, not just six games, but six games with six wins”
Desiree Ellis (South Africa head coach):
“We know we’ve beaten them before, and that gives us belief. But past results don’t count for much, it’s a different team, a different tournament, three years later”
HOW TO WATCH
Nigeria vs South Africa will be available to watch on multiple platforms. For cable TV subscribers in Nigeria, the game will be live on SuperSport, while BeIN Sports will offer global streaming access
FINAL WORD
The stakes could not be higher. With a spot in the July 26 final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on the line, Nigeria will be aiming to assert their dominance, while South Africa seek to prove their 2022 triumph was no fluke.
The winner faces either Morocco or Ghana. One step from glory. One old rivalry renewed.
