The encounter offers the Super Falcons a second opportunity to keep their hopes of playing at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil alive after their 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon ended their defence of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.

With both teams eliminated before the semi-finals, Thursday’s clash has taken on added significance as Nigeria and South Africa battle for a place in the Inter-Confederation Playoff Tournament.

Falcons seek response after Cameroon setback

Nigeria dominated much of their quarter-final against Cameroon but failed to convert their opportunities, eventually suffering a narrow defeat.

Coach Justin Madugu will now be expected to make tactical adjustments against a South African side that has developed into one of Nigeria’s biggest rivals in African women’s football.

The Falcons created several chances against Cameroon but were repeatedly frustrated by goalkeeper Michaely Bihina and a disciplined defensive unit.

Madugu is likely to turn to his most clinical attacking options as Nigeria seek to avoid another costly failure in front of goal.

Rematch of dramatic 2025 semi-final

Thursday’s meeting comes just over a year after Nigeria and South Africa played a dramatic WAFCON semi-final in Casablanca.

The Falcons prevailed 2-1, with defender Michelle Alozie scoring a spectacular stoppage-time winner after both teams had converted penalties.

The defeat was particularly painful for Banyana Banyana, who entered the match as defending champions.

South Africa, however, have enjoyed success against Nigeria at the WAFCON, defeating the Falcons in the 2012, 2018 and 2022 editions.

Overall, though, Nigeria maintain a dominant record in the rivalry, having won 17 of their other competitive meetings against South Africa.

Ajibade and Kgatlana lead rival attacks

Nigeria will again be led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, while South Africa will rely on the pace and attacking threat of Thembi Kgatlana.

The two sides have already endured several high-stakes encounters in recent years, including their battle for qualification for the 2024 Olympic women’s football tournament.

Nigeria edged that contest 1-0 on aggregate, with Ajibade’s penalty in Abuja proving decisive across the two legs.

South Africa also defeated Nigeria 2-1 in their opening match of the 2022 WAFCON in Morocco.

World Cup hopes on the line

Victory will give either Nigeria or South Africa a route into the Inter-Confederation Playoff Tournament and keep their hopes of securing a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup alive.

For the Super Falcons, Thursday represents an opportunity to recover from the disappointment against Cameroon and preserve their record of appearing at every edition of the Women’s World Cup.

Madugu’s side must now combine the attacking quality that created numerous opportunities against Cameroon with greater efficiency in front of goal.

With qualification at stake and two of Africa’s leading women’s teams meeting again, the latest chapter in the Nigeria-South Africa rivalry promises another high-pressure battle in Casablanca. (BusinessDay)

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