Wafcon 2024 Nigeria 2 South Africa 1: Five takeaways from Super Falcons win v Banyana Banyana

Nigeria booked their place in the final of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a hard-fought 2-1 win over South Africa.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Mitchel Alozie found the net for the Super Falcons, securing a narrow victory over Banyana Banyana.

Allnigeriasoccer.com presents five takeaways from the victory.

Ajibade scores again against South Africa

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade continued her impressive scoring form against Banyana Banyana.

She converted from the penalty spot late in the first half to give Nigeria the lead, taking her tally against South Africa to three goals.

The former Atlético Madrid forward had also found the net against Banyana Banyana in a crucial match that secured Nigeria’s qualification for the Paris Olympics.

Improved second half performance by South Africa

Banyana Banyana delivered a much-improved performance in the second half, following a lackluster first half in which they struggled to trouble the Super Falcons.

Their resurgence paid off as they equalized, handing Nigeria their first conceded goal of the tournament.

South Africa came close to snatching a winner in the 73rd minute, but Osinachi Ohale made a crucial goal-line clearance after goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie had been beaten inside the box.

Linda Mothlalo breaks Nnadozie’s cleansheet run

The Super Falcons of Nigeria conceded their first goal of the ongoing Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

South Africa’s Linda Motlhalo broke their defensive record, calmly sending goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie the wrong way from the penalty spot.

Magaia constant threat to Nigeria's defense

Hildah Magaia made an instant impact after coming on in the first half, delivering a standout performance for Banyana Banyana.

Her sharp movement and dribbling posed a constant threat to the Super Falcons' defence, particularly down the right flank.

Jennifer Echiejile suffers possible hip injury

Super Falcons midfielder Jennifer Echiejile picked up a suspected hip injury and was forced off during the second half, with Christy Ucheibe coming on as her replacement.

Although the injury did not appear to be serious, Echiejile later joined her teammates on the bench. The injury now cast doubt over her availability for the upcoming WAFCON final.
 

Adeyemi Adewale

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