Alozie’s Stoppage-Time Stunner Sends Super Falcons to WAFCON Final, Ends South Africa’s Reign

Michelle Alozie’s stunning stoppage-time goal handed Nigeria a dramatic 2-1 victory over defending champions South Africa, sending the Super Falcons into the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

With “Mission X” in full motion, Nigeria now eyes a record-extending 10th title after a fierce semifinal clash in Casablanca.

Michelle Alozie’s dramatic long-range effort in stoppage time sealed a 2-1 victory for Nigeria over defending champions South Africa on Tuesday, propelling the Super Falcons into the final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The thrilling semifinal at Stade Larbi Zaouli saw Nigeria book a spot in Saturday’s final, where they will face either host nation Morocco or Ghana in a battle for the continental crown.

Alozie, who plays for Houston Dash in the U.S.-based National Women’s Soccer League, launched the match-winner four minutes into stoppage time. Though two Nigerian attackers were in front of goal, the ball sailed past everyone and bounced into the net untouched, stunning the South African defense.

Earlier in the match, Atlético Madrid’s Rasheedat Ajibade gave Nigeria the lead just before halftime, converting a penalty awarded for a handball in the box.

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South Africa, led by coach Desiree Ellis, equalized in the 60th minute through a Linda Motlhalo penalty, ending Nigeria’s perfect defensive record in the tournament.

The Super Falcons, nine-time WAFCON champions, came into the tournament with something to prove after finishing fourth in 2022. They branded their title push “Mission X”—a quest to reclaim dominance on the continent.

Tuesday’s match was not without concern. In the 84th minute, South Africa’s Gabriela Salgado suffered a serious injury and was stretchered off with her leg heavily wrapped. The crowd responded with chants of her name, as emotional teammates looked on in tears.

Nigeria had earlier crushed Zambia 5-0 in the quarterfinals, while South Africa edged Senegal on penalties following a goalless draw.