The Director General and Chief Executive officer of the National Institute for Sports, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has commended the Super Falcons of Nigeria who edged arch-rivals South Africa 2-1 in a pulsating Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semifinal on Tuesday evening to book their place in the final.
The victory kept the Nigerian team’s hopes of a record-extending 10th continental title.
Comrade Shaibu who is the immediate past deputy governor of Edo state and former player of Bendel insurance football club of Benin said the semi-final clash was a “final before the final,” match.
Rasheedat Ajibade and Michelle Alozie delivered when it mattered most, scoring either side of a Linda Motlhalo penalty to help the Super Falcons avenge their 2022 loss to Banyana Banyana and underline their dominance on African soil.
While tasking the team, the technical crew to be focused ahead of the final match against the host country Morocco, the NIS Director General said he was excited when Ajibade broke the deadlock just before the break with a composed finish from the penalty spot after a handball by Bambanani Mbane in the South African box.
The NIS Boss who promised to be in Morocco for the final match, tasked the Nigerian ladies to put more pressure on the Moroccans, saying, “Our ladies need to improve on the game with South Africa.
“We were just lucky to have that additional goal. So, I look forward to seeing them improving on their game against Morocco bearing in mind that, they are the host country.”
South Africa, the defending champions, came out fighting in the second half and were rewarded in the 60th minute when Hildah Magaia was brought down by Osinachi Ohale, leading to a penalty.
Motlhalo made no mistake from the spot to level the scores and swing the momentum temporarily Banyana’s way.
But just as extra time loomed, Michelle Alozie struck a sensational long-range winner deep into stoppage time.