Nigeria vs South Africa –prediction, team news, other details

The 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semifinal ignites a fierce rivalry as Nigeria’s Super Falcons face defending champions Banyana Banyana of South Africa on July 22, 2025, 16:00 GMT (17:00 WAT), at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco. Nigeria, unbeaten and yet to concede in the tournament, are on “Mission X” to claim a 10th title, while South Africa aim to defend their 2022 crown with their versatile attack. This blockbuster clash promises intensity, tactical intrigue, and high stakes as both teams vie for a spot in the final.

Super Falcons of Nigeria team form

Nigeria have been imperious at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), storming into the semifinals with a perfect defensive record, conceding zero goals in four matches. Their 5-0 thrashing of Zambia in the quarterfinals showcased their attacking prowess, with five different scorers: Osinachi Ohale, Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Tosin Demehin, and Folashade Ijamilusi, highlighting their depth. Despite concerns about goal conversion after scoring just once in their final two group games, Nigeria’s clinical display against Zambia silenced doubters. Under coach Justine Madugu, the Super Falcons are on “Mission X” to reclaim their 10th WAFCON title, last won in 2018. Their group stage included a 3-0 win over Tunisia, a 1-0 victory against Botswana, and a 0-0 draw with Algeria, topping Group B with seven points.

Super Falcons tactics

Nigeria are likely to deploy a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing defensive solidity and quick transitions. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, one of Africa’s best, anchors a backline led by Osinachi Ohale and Ashleigh Plumptre, who have been impenetrable. Midfielders Deborah Abiodun and Christy Ucheibe provide dynamism and physicality, allowing Rasheedat Ajibade and Asisat Oshoala to exploit wide areas and cut inside. Nigeria’s set-piece prowess, evident in Ohale and Demehin’s goals, will be crucial. Madugu has stressed psychological and tactical readiness, aiming to improve goal conversion while maintaining their clean-sheet streak. Expect Nigeria to press high to disrupt South Africa’s rhythm and target their vulnerability to set pieces.

Super Falcons team news and injuries

Asisat Oshoala (31 international goals) is back to her best, scoring in the opener against Tunisia. Rasheedat Ajibade’s playmaking (two assists vs Zambia) and Chinwendu Ihezuo’s three tournament goals make them threats. Chiamaka Nnadozie’s goalkeeping has been flawless. No reported injuries. Deborah Abiodun, who suffered a knock in a prior match, is confirmed fit. Rinsola Babajide, who scored against Tunisia, adds pace on the wing. Esther Okoronkwo’s emergence (two goals vs Zambia) bolsters the attack.

Expected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Nnadozie; Alozie, Ohale, Plumptre, Demehin; Ucheibe, Abiodun; Ajibade, Oshoala, Babajide; Ihezuo.

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Banyana Banyana of South Africa team form

The defending champions have been formidable, topping Group C with seven points from a 2-0 win over Ghana, a 1-1 draw with Tanzania, and a 4-0 rout of Mali. Their +6 goal difference was the tournament’s best, with seven different scorers showcasing their attacking versatility. Banyana advanced to the semifinals after a tense 0-0 draw with Senegal, winning 4-1 in a penalty shootout thanks to goalkeeper Andile Dlamini’s heroics. Despite missing star striker Thembi Kgatlana, South Africa’s depth, led by Linda Motlhalo, Jermaine Seoposenwe, and Hildah Magaia, has kept them competitive. Coach Desiree Ellis has instilled a balanced approach, blending defensive solidity (conceding just once in the group stage) with clinical finishing.

Banyana Banyana tactics

South Africa favor a 4-2-3-1, balancing possession with rapid counterattacks. Lebohang Ramalepe, often deployed as an attacking wing-back, delivers dangerous crosses, while Bambanani Mbane’s composure at centre-back initiates attacks. Linda Motlhalo and Refiloe Jane control midfield, creating space for Jermaine Seoposenwe’s intelligent runs. Without Kgatlana, Hildah Magaia and youngster Ronnel Donnelly have stepped up. Banyana’s strength lies in their versatility, with multiple goalscorers, but their set-piece defending has been exposed, as noted by analysts. Ellis will likely focus on possession to tire Nigeria’s midfield and exploit Senegal’s success with counterattacks against high defensive lines.

Banyana Banyana team news and injuries

Lebohang Ramalepe (nearing her 100th cap) and Hildah Magaia are pivotal, with Andile Dlamini’s penalty-saving heroics boosting confidence. Jermaine Seoposenwe’s intelligent movement is a constant threat. Thembi Kgatlana remains absent, a significant blow to their attack. No other injuries reported, with Sinoxolo Cesane rejoining the squad after missing earlier matches. Ronnel Donnelly’s emergence as a goalscorer adds youthful energy. Fikile Magama strengthens the defense.

Expected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Dlamini; Ramalepe, Mbane, Magama, Makhanya; Jane, Motlhalo; Seoposenwe, Salgado, Magaia; Donnelly.

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Nigeria vs South Africa head-to-head statistics

Nigeria and South Africa have met 24 times, with Nigeria leading with 15 wins, 5 draws, and 4 losses. Nigeria are unbeaten in South Africa, with a win (2-1 in 2010) and a draw (1-1 in 2012). This is their fifth semifinal clash. Nigeria won in 2000 (3-0), 2008 (1-0), and 2016 (1-0), while South Africa triumphed in 2012 (1-0). Nigeria also won the 2018 final 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw. The last 10 encounters are evenly split (4 wins each, 2 draws). Nigeria’s 1-0 win in the 2024 Olympic qualifier first leg, sealed by Ajibade’s penalty, ended a six-year winless streak against Banyana. South Africa’s 2-1 victory in the 2022 WAFCON group stage was their last competitive win. Recent matches are low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals in 7 of the last 10 games. Nigeria’s defensive record (no goals conceded in 2025 WAFCON) contrasts with South Africa’s attacking output (7 goals).

Nigeria vs South Africa score prediction

This semifinal promises to be a blockbuster, seeing Nigeria’s ironclad defense against South Africa’s versatile attack. Nigeria’s perfect clean-sheet record and clinical finishing against Zambia make them slight favorites, but South Africa’s depth and championship pedigree under Ellis ensure a tight contest. Banyana’s set-piece vulnerability could be exploited by Nigeria’s aerial threats like Ohale and Demehin, while South Africa’s pacey counters, led by Seoposenwe, may test Nnadozie. The absence of Kgatlana tilts the balance slightly toward Nigeria, who have the edge in big-moment experience. Posts on social media reflect the growing rivalry, with fans anticipating a “titanic showdown.”

Predicted Scoreline: Super Falcons 2-1 Banyana Banyana. Nigeria’s set-piece dominance and Nnadozie’s goalkeeping should counter South Africa’s attack. A goal from Ihezuo or Oshoala, likely from a set piece, could prove decisive, though Magaia or Seoposenwe may nick one for Banyana. Extra time or penalties are possible if South Africa capitalize on counters.