As the 13th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) rumbles into its semifinal stage, Nigeria’s Super Falcons are brimming with confidence and intent.
The West Africans are determined to end South Africa’s title defence in Tuesday’s titanic clash at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Having crushed Zambia 5-0 in a clinical quarterfinal performance, the Super Falcons have made a bold statement. This emphatic win not only sealed Nigeria’s place in the last four but also extended their record of reaching every WAFCON semifinal since the tournament’s inception.
Though the Zambians had entered the tie with confidence, they were swiftly dismantled by a Nigerian side firing on all cylinders.
ALSO READ:
- WAFCON 2024: Revenge, records and ruptures in Nigeria vs South Africa clash
- Rampant Super Falcons humble Zambia 5–0 to reach WAFCON semis
- Super Falcons at WAFCON 2024: Full squad announcement, tactical shifts, and what to expect from Nigeria in Morocco
- Super Falcons outclass Ghana 3-1 in Casablanca friendly ahead of WAFCON tournament
Nigeria takes the better of head-to-head records
While history favours Nigeria, recent meetings with Banyana Banyana have added spice to this already explosive rivalry. For many years, South Africa struggled to lay a glove on the Falcons, waiting 17 long years from their first clash in 1995 to finally register a win.
Since then, however, the rivalry has become far more competitive, with South Africa edging Nigeria in the group stage in 2018 and again in 2022.
Nonetheless, the Falcons have always responded when it matters most. Although Banyana Banyana snatched a 2-1 victory in their last WAFCON meeting, Nigeria still emerged champions of that 2018 edition after edging them on penalties in the final. Moreover, the Falcons recently pipped South Africa to the Paris 2024 Olympic ticket, holding their nerve in a tense two-legged qualifier.
Heading into Tuesday’s encounter, Nigeria’s head coach and players have shown no signs of fear. The team’s potent attack, led by Chinwendu Ihezuo – who is chasing the Golden Boot with three goals – has combined with a sturdy defence to create a side balanced and battle-ready.
Meanwhile, the memory of their unbeaten run in regulation time at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, including a dazzling win over co-hosts Australia, still lingers as proof of their pedigree on the big stage.
Although South Africa boast a few recent triumphs, Nigeria’s dominance in their 25 all-time meetings (15 wins, 6 draws, 4 losses) paints a broader picture. The Banyana may have grown in confidence, but the Super Falcons remain Africa’s queens of the game.
Indeed, all signs point to a fierce and fiery WAFCON semifinal – one where Nigeria’s unyielding ambition could spell heartbreak for South Africa’s title hopes.
Tags: Super Falcons, Banyana Banyana, South Africa, #SoarSuperFalcons, #MissionX, #GoingFor10, WAFCON semifinal, #WAFCON2024, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca.
