It’s the battle of the heavyweights as South Africa trade tackles with Nigeria in the semifinal of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Few fixtures in African women’s football command as much attention, history, and emotion as Nigeria versus South Africa.

As two of the continent’s elite footballing nations prepare to square off in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semifinal, the stage is set in Casablanca for what many are calling the final before the final.

On one side, you have Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the most decorated team in the competition’s history with nine titles, a side that has qualified for every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the tournament’s inception in 1991. On the other side stands Banyana Banyana, defending champions and a team steadily growing into one of Africa’s most tactically astute outfits.

It’s a clash of distinct football cultures and it promises to be a thriller that will love long in memories.

Road to the semis

Nigeria

Nigeria arrived in Morocco with a point to prove. The ghosts of 2022, when they were beaten by South Africa in the group stage and eventualy dethroned as African queens, still lingered.

Justin Madugu’s side began brightly, racing to a 3-0 win over North African side Tunisia. But the Falcons would later labour to a narrow win over Botswana before settling for a goalless draw with Algeria.

Critics questioned the manager’s tactical flexibility and whether he could harness the immense individual talent in his squad. But Nigeria responded in emphatic fashion, humbling one of the pre-tournament favourites Zambia 5-0 in the quarterfinals.

It was a performance that rekindled belief.

Osinachi Ohale opened the floodgates within two minutes, and by halftime, it was 3-0. The Copper Queens boasting global stars like Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, were expected to challenge Nigeria, but instead crumbled.

The Falcons’ defence remains unbreached at this WAFCON. Their dominance across all phases, set-pieces, transitions, and possession play, has been staggering. The formwr champions have scored nine goals, conceded none, and their xG (expected goals) is second only to tournament hosts Morocco.

Madugu’s rotation has also worked wonders.

Players like Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Chinwendu Ihezuo have all seized their opportunities. Even his tactical switches, like pushing Ajibade into midfield, have been spot-on.

South Africa

South Africa have continued their identity as an aesthetically pleasing team. Coach Desiree Ellis has developed a unit known for intelligent pressing, progressive passing, and off-the-ball movement.

But at this WAFCON, they have lacked a cutting edge, most notably due to the absence of their inspirational leader and striker, Thembi Kgatlana, who missed the tournament due undisclosed personal reasons.

Banyana Banyana began brightly in the group stage, defeating African giants Ghana 2-0. Although, the South Africans claimed a convincing 4-0 victory Mali, their lacklustre display in the 1-1 draw against ten-woman Tanzania showed cracks that opponents could exploit.

Signs of bluntness in the final third reappeared in their 0-0 draw against Senegal, a side they eventually edged out in the quarterfinals via penalties after another goalless stalemate.

Still, credit to South Africa who have now reached the semifinal of the WAFCON 11 times, a tally bettered only by Nigeria’s 13.

Head-to-head

This will be the 11th WAFCON meeting between the two nations, and history favours the Super Falcons.

Total WAFCON meetings: 10
Nigeria wins: 7
South Africa wins: 2
Draws: 1 (Nigeria won on penalties)
Goals scored: Nigeria – 16 | South Africa – 5

But recent history is less kind to Nigeria. South Africa defeated the Falcons 2-1 in the group stage of the 2022 edition on the road to clinching their first continental title.

In WAFCON semifinals, this will be their fifth clash:

2002: Nigeria 5-0 South Africa
2012: South Africa 1-0 Nigeria
2014: Nigeria 2-1 South Africa (Oshoala brace)
2016: Nigeria 1-0 South Africa (Oparanozie winner)

Team news

Nigeria

Coach Justin Madugu has all players available.

Ashleigh Plumptre, who picked up a knock against Zambia, is fit and trained fully. Chioma Okafor has recovered from a hand strain and is available for selection, though likely to feature off the bench.

Tactically, Nigeria are expected to stay with a 4-3-3. Ayinde will shield the backline, while Echegini and Ajibade will provide the creative impetus from midfield. The forwards, Ihezuo, Ijamilusi and Okoronkwo, are fast, strong, and intelligent and they will be a handful for the Banyana Banyana defence.

South Africa

Desiree Ellis may tweak her front line. Pressure is growing to start young sensation Ronnie Donnelly, who impressed in the group stage and scored a wonder goal against Mali. Veteran Hildah Magaia will likely start centrally, but her finishing has been inconsistent.

Linda Motlhalo remains the creative hub, while goalkeeper Andile Dlamini has emerged as a calm leader at the back. South Africa may also shift from their standard 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3 to flood the midfield and contain Ajibade.

Key Players to Watch

Nigeria

Chiamaka Nnadozie: Arguably the best goalkeeper on the continent, her composure, distribution, and shot-stopping have kept Nigeria unbreached.

Rasheedat Ajibade: With her creativity and leadership, she has become the team’s engine. Expect her to drive play from deep and join attacks late.

Esther Okoronkwo: Scored her first WAFCON goal against Zambia and has laid four assists in three games. Her movement, delivery, and finishing will be vital against a structured South African backline.

South Africa

Linda Motlhalo: A metronome in midfield, she leads the tournament for pass completion (92%) and chances created.

Andile Dlamini: Her penalty shootout heroics against Senegal proved her value. A vocal leader who inspires calm.

Match details

Fixture: Nigeria vs South Africa
Competition: 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)
Stage: Semifinal
Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Kick-off time: 6:00 PM (Nigerian time)
Venue: Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca, Morocco

Probable Lineups

Nigeria (4-3-3):

Nnadozie; Alozie, Ohale, Demehin, Plumptre; Ayinde, Echegini, Ajibade; Ijamilusi, Ihezuo, Okoronkwo

South Africa (4-2-3-1):

Dlamini; Ramalepe, Mbane, Nhlapo, Matlou; Dhlamini, Motlhalo; Magaia, Makhubela, Donnelly; Salgado

Prediction

Nigeria’s experience and resurgence in the quarterfinals give them the psychological and tactical edge. South Africa will look to dominate possession, but without Kgatlana, they may struggle to convert. Expect a tight game, possibly cagey early on, but Nigeria’s firepower should prove too much.