Nigeria and South Africa will meet in the semifinal of the 2024 WAFCON tournament currently ongoing in Morocco on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. This match is crucial to both nations’ WAFCON ambitions.
The tournament, which began on July 5, was initially the 2024 edition but postponed due to the Paris Olympics.
Twelve top African teams are participating. Nigeria has won nine titles. Meanwhile, South Africa won their first in 2022.
Both nations topped their groups. They entered the semifinals through different paths, with each facing varied challenges.
Zambia conceded 5 goals in the quarterfinal against Nigeria. The Super Falcons’ attack was sharp, and their defense stayed firm.
South Africa struggled against Senegal. After 120 minutes without goals, they won 4–1 on penalties.
Key players and squad availability
Asisat Oshoala, a multiple-time African Women’s Player of the Year, will feature. Her presence strengthens the team’s attacking threat.
She has helped Nigeria win three WAFCON titles before. She brings experience and leadership to the squad.
In contrast, South Africa will miss Thembi Kgatlana. She was vital in their 2022 win and remains their most dangerous attacker.
Kgatlana pulled out before the tournament due to personal reasons. Her absence limits South Africa’s offensive options.
Without her, Banyana Banyana must rely on less consistent attackers. Hilda Magaia and Andile Dlamini have tried to fill the gap.
Their efforts have helped so far, but facing Nigeria without Kgatlana adds pressure on their tactical setup.
Performance so far
Super Falcons played three group matches. They defeated Tunisia and Botswana, then drew goalless with Algeria.
They kept clean sheets in all group games. Their defense looked compact and structured across the matches.
In the quarterfinal, they outclassed Zambia. They scored five goals from five different players. This spread shows a team that does not depend on a single scorer. It makes them harder to stop.
South Africa also topped their group. However, their quarterfinal win came through penalties, not regular play.
It shows less dominance. Their approach appeared cautious. Their finishing lacked sharpness under pressure.
Head-to-head analysis
Both have met several times since 2010. Results show close competition between them.
Four wins for Nigeria, South Africa three, and one draw. Matches between both teams remain hard-fought.
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In 2018, Nigeria beat South Africa in the final through penalties. South Africa won their next WAFCON clash in 2022.
These results are inspiring. However, Nigeria’s consistent success in the tournament gives them a psychological edge.
Their rivalry is deep and continues to promote African women’s football. Both teams know each other well.
Match prediction
On current form, Nigeria is the likely winner. Their squad depth, organization, and scoring ability set them apart.
Bayana Bayana may push the game close. Their experience can keep the match competitive until the final minutes.
However, the absence of a top striker could cost them. Nigeria’s options in attack may break South Africa’s resistance.
Matches between both sides are usually close. But this time, Nigeria holds more technical and psychological control.
If the game goes into extra time or penalties, South Africa may try to repeat their quarterfinal escape.
Possibly, Nigeria looks more likely to advance. Their structure, energy, and record suggest stronger chances against the defending champions.
Still, football remains unpredictable. South Africa’s fighting spirit can surprise any team on the day.
