Super Falcons and Banyana Banyana set for WAFCON quarter-final showdown

Nigeria's Super Falcons are preparing for the 'final before the final' when they take on South Africa's Banyana Banyana in the quarter-finals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Tuesday evening in Morocco.

With the stakes at an all-time high, Nigeria have acknowledged the intense competition that awaits them. The Super Falcons, a name synonymous with excellence in African women's football, are on a resolute mission to reclaim the WAFCON title.

With nine championships to their name, the Falcons are experiencing a revitalised sense of purpose, driven by the determined mindset instilled by head coach Justin Madugu.

This renewed focus on the importance of each match compels the team to draw on their rich legacy and channel their historical strength towards future victories.

Former Nigerian international and prolific forward Ugochi Desire Oparanozie has underlined the significance of this encounter, stressing that overcoming Banyana Banyana is essential for Nigeria’s ambitions.

In an interview with Showmax Premier League, Oparanozie said: “I believe Nigeria’s biggest threat is Banyana Banyana. Once Nigeria can get past Banyana Banyana, the WAFCON is as good as won for the Super Falcons.”

The footballing rivalry between Banyana Banyana and the Super Falcons is steeped in history, marked by fierce competition and emotionally charged encounters. Earlier this year, Nigeria inflicted a narrow 1-0 aggregate defeat on Banyana in the Paris Olympic Games qualifiers.

In recent years, Banyana Banyana have shown growing resilience against Nigeria — a team that has historically dominated their meetings. Since 2018, Banyana have faced the Super Falcons six times, claiming victory on three occasions.

This shift in momentum was particularly evident during the last WAFCON, when South Africa triumphed over Nigeria in the semi-finals.

Throughout their illustrious histories, the two teams have met 20 times in official matches. Nigeria hold a notable edge, with 13 wins, three draws, and four victories for South Africa.

However, a closer look at the past 13 years reveals a more balanced contest. Since 2012, Banyana Banyana have won four matches to Nigeria’s three, with two ending in draws — including the dramatic 2018 WAFCON final, which ended level after regular time and was decided by penalties in Nigeria’s favour.

One of South Africa’s most memorable results came at the Aisha Buhari Cup in 2021, when Banyana stunned the Super Falcons with an impressive 4-2 win on Nigerian soil. That result sent ripples through the continent, signalling that Banyana could go toe-to-toe with Africa’s traditional giants — even away from home.

As Banyana Banyana prepare to face the Super Falcons once more, the South African side are determined to build on their recent successes and step further out of the shadows of past defeats.

Supporters from both nations are eagerly awaiting the latest chapter in this gripping rivalry — a contest sure to showcase the skill, pride and passion that define African women’s football.