Ten-time African champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, are determined to make the most of a second opportunity to reach next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup finals when they face arch-rivals Banyana Banyana of South Africa tonight in Casablanca, Morocco.
Both nations failed to reach the semi-finals of the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), missing out on the chance to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
South Africa have defeated Nigeria in three editions of the WAFCON – 2012, 2018 and 2022. However, those victories account for only three of the four competitive matches in which Banyana Banyana have beaten the Super Falcons, who have won 17 of their other encounters.
With a place in the Inter-Confederation Playoff Tournament at stake, tonight’s clash promises to be another fiercely contested chapter in one of African women’s football’s biggest rivalries.
Before their semi-final meeting at the previous WAFCON, the two sides had also battled over two legs for a place at the 2024 Olympic Women’s Football Tournament.
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in Abuja to settle the tie after 180 minutes.
Two years earlier, Banyana Banyana had edged the Falcons 2-1 in the opening match between the two sides at the 2022 WAFCON in Morocco.
Ajibade is expected to lead the Falcons once again, while South Africa will look to the pace and finishing ability of their prolific forward, Thembi Kgatlana, as both teams fight for another chance to keep their World Cup dreams alive.