WAFCON titans collide: Banyana and Nigeria in winner-takes-all semi-final

Two of Africa’s premier women’s football nations will go toe-to-toe on Tuesday evening when South Africa meet Nigeria in a blockbuster WAFCON semi-final at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca at 6pm. 

At stake is more than just a spot in the final — the winner secures automatic qualification to the 2026 Fifa Women’s World Cup. It adds another layer of urgency and intensity to a rivalry that has grown into one of the continent’s fiercest.

Recent history gives Banyana Banyana reason to be confident. In the last five meetings between the two nations, South Africa have registered two wins, Nigeria have claimed one, and two matches have ended in draws. 

This includes Banyana’s famous 2-1 group-stage triumph over the Super Falcons in the 2022 WAFCON — the same tournament that ended with South Africa lifting the trophy for the very first time.

Speaking ahead of this huge clash, Ellis expressed that their win in 2022 will have little influence on proceedings in this match.

“I don’t think it means a lot, it does mean, however, that we know we can get over the line, but I think past results don’t really mean anything because it’s a different tournament and it’s three years down the line,” she said. 

“Also, it’s a different coach and some new players, but it’s the same Nigeria and they have the quality. We have to be on top of our game to make sure we get over the hurdle. They are the only country that has defended back-to-back on numerous occasions, and it would be big for our country.”

Their route to the semis has been far from straightforward. After navigating the group phase, Coach Desiree Ellis' Banyana edged Senegal on penalties in a tense quarter-final that finished 0-0 after extra time.

It wasn’t their most fluid performance, but it was the kind that champions find a way to win — gritty, focused and unyielding under pressure.

In contrast, Nigeria cruised into the final four with a commanding 5-0 victory over Zambia. Esther Okoronkwo starred with two assists and a goal, while their attacking quartet — including Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade — looked in devastating form. 

Coach Randy Waldrum’s side have been consistent and clinical, and their hunger to reclaim the title they lost in 2022 is clear.

Banyana, though, know how to handle the Super Falcons. Their tactical maturity, especially in big games, remains a major asset. 

The backline, anchored by the experienced Bambanani Mbane, has been solid, while midfielders like Refiloe Jane and Amogelang Motau will be crucial in controlling the rhythm of play. South Africa are expected to stick with their compact defensive shape and rely on the pace of Hildah Magaia and creativity of Jermaine Seoposenwe to exploit spaces on the break.

The clash also serves as a repeat of the 2018 final — one that went to penalties and saw Nigeria win the title. But much has changed since then. 

Banyana have grown from nearly-there contenders to champions with pedigree. They are now battle-tested, cohesive, and know what it takes to grind out results on this stage.

There’s very little to separate these two teams, and with a World Cup ticket on the line, the margins will be even finer.

Tuesday night promises high drama in Casablanca. 

Whether it’s Banyana’s discipline or Nigeria’s firepower that prevails, one thing is certain: Africa’s biggest rivalry will deliver another thrilling chapter — with history and a place on the global stage hanging in the balance.