Streak Ends Here!” – Nigeria’s Super Falcons Roar Ahead of Semi-Final Clash With Banyana Banyana

The Nigerian side has declared its readiness to end South Africa’s impressive unbeaten run in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

At 5 p.m. today, July 22, the Super Falcons will square off against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in the semi-finals of the 2024 tournament.

South Africa, the defending champions, are riding a 15-match unbeaten streak in WAFCON— a record that began after their defeat to Nigeria in 2016.

But Falcons assistant coach Justin Madugu is undeterred by history.
“Yes, South Africa haven’t lost a match in regulation time since 2016,” he said. “But records are meant to be broken. No matter how long it takes, one day it will happen. By Tuesday, by God’s grace, that record will be gone.”

Despite South Africa’s recent dominance, Nigeria still leads their WAFCON head‑to‑head: eight wins in 11 meetings, with a 16–5 goal advantage. However, in the 2022 edition, Banyana Banyana defeated Nigeria in the group stage and went on to lift their first continental title.

Madugu acknowledged the strides South Africa has made under coach Desiree Ellis but insists the Falcons are focused and respectful of their opponents.
“They have a very good team. For them to have won all their games to get here, we must respect that. We’re not taking anything for granted,” he said.

“You can’t judge a team just by their last match. They’re defending champions, they took the crown from us, and now we want to reclaim it.”

On the South African bench, coach Desiree Ellis said her players need no extra motivation for this clash.
“We know what this match means, and we know what it takes to beat Nigeria,” she told CAF Online. “It’s like a derby—everyone knows what’s at stake. The motivation is already there because of the rivalry.”