logo
Nigeria vs South Africa – Preview & Score Prediction

Nigeria vs South Africa – Preview & Score Prediction

Morocco World4 days ago
Nigeria will face South Africa on Tuesday in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca.
Kick-off is at 5 p.m. Moroccan time (GMT+1), a nd fans can catch the action live on beIN Sports, CANAL+, New WorldTV, SuperSport, Azam Media, SABC, Ziggo, BAND, SportTV, and Arena Sport.
The two sides are familiar foes. Since 2010, they have met 12 times in all competitions, with Nigeria winning five, South Africa four, and three ending in draws. In WAFCON history alone, Nigeria have won eight of their 10 meetings.
Nigeria are aiming for a record-extending 10th WAFCON title. South Africa, the defending champions, are looking to reach a third consecutive final and retain the trophy they won in Morocco in 2022.
Both teams took contrasting paths to the last four. Nigeria thrashed Zambia 5–0 in the quarter-finals, while South Africa edged Senegal 4–1 on penalties after a goalless draw.
Nigeria remain unbeaten and have yet to concede a goal at the tournament. Esther Okoronkwo leads the assist chart with four, while Chinwe Ihezuo is their top scorer with three goals. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade has won two Woman of the Match awards.
In defence, Nigeria have looked solid with Osinachi Ohale marshalling the back line, supported by fullbacks Michelle Alozie and Ashley Plumptre.
South Africa are without injured forward Thembi Kgatlana but have experience in Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hildah Magaia and Lebogang Ramalepe. Magaia, who scored twice in the 2022 final, has not yet found the net in this edition.
Former Nigeria captain Desire Oparanozie told CAFOnline: 'It's more than just a game. A clash of titans with national pride on the line. Nigeria should defend narrowly and remain compact.'
Ex-Banyana Banyana captain Amanda Dlamini added: 'It's going to be a mind game. South Africa must show composure in the final third and trust in their set pieces.'
The winner will face either Morocco or Ghana in Saturday's final.
Prediction:
Nigeria's experience and defensive record give them the edge in a tight contest.
Nigeria 2–1 South Africa (AET) Tags: Africa Cup of NationsnigeriaSouth AfricaWAFCON 2024
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

What Will FIFA's New Office in Rabat Mean for Morocco's Football Ambitions?
What Will FIFA's New Office in Rabat Mean for Morocco's Football Ambitions?

Morocco World

time3 hours ago

  • Morocco World

What Will FIFA's New Office in Rabat Mean for Morocco's Football Ambitions?

FIFA has inaugurated a new regional office in Rabat to oversee football development across North and West Africa. The facility, located near the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, will serve as a technical and strategic hub for the continent. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President Patrice Motsepe, and Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) President Fouzi Lekjaa attended the official opening. 'Naturally, this is an important, fundamental, and historic day in the journey of national football — an exceptional path led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI for more than 26 years,' said Lekjaa. 'It once again reflects the special care His Majesty has devoted to youth, sport, and football in particular, alongside Morocco's strategic policy for its international positioning.' Lekjaa added: 'Thanks to Mr Gianni Infantino for FIFA's trust in Morocco and for selecting the kingdom to host this headquarters. Thanks also to Mr Patrice Motsepe for his continued confidence in Morocco.' Morocco will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations next December, for the first time the country hosted the tournament in 1988. 'As the President said, Morocco will host a series of major events, starting with the 2025 U-17 FIFA Women's World Cup, as well as the Africa Cup of Nations,' Lekjaa noted. 'We are called upon to rise to the occasion and are determined to write a bright chapter in football history.' Infantino said the new office is intended to strengthen FIFA's global presence. 'It is very important for FIFA to be here — to be in Morocco, to be in Africa, and really, to be everywhere around the world,' he said. 'Africa has 54 countries — 54 member nations of both CAF and FIFA.' 'This isn't just an 'Africa office' — it's a global FIFA office. A strategic hub. Not just an administrative one,' Infantino said. 'We'll work on development and support for African federations — that's a priority. But our top priority is football — women's football, youth development, training.' 'Morocco isn't just another country. It's become a beacon. The world turned Moroccan in 2022,' Infantino said. 'What that magnificent national team achieved was historic. But it wasn't just a fluke. It was the result of years of hard work by President Fouzi Lekjaa and everyone in Morocco, under the guidance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI — may God assist him.' CAF President Patrice Motsepe welcomed FIFA's investment in African football. 'Let me start by saying that, in Gianni Infantino, African football has a loyal, trustworthy, and committed friend and partner,' he said. 'The partnership between Africa and FIFA is incredibly important for the development of football across the continent.' 'We've made good progress. And, without question, our most dependable partner outside the continent is Gianni Infantino and FIFA. We're deeply grateful,' Motsepe added. 'It fills me with pride to know we have a brother and a trusted partner like Gianni — someone who stands with us, genuinely committed,' he said. 'Today is yet another example — a significant one — of Gianni's and FIFA's deep dedication to African football.' 'We truly feel the strength of this partnership. And together, we will make African football among the best in the world,' Motsepe concluded. Tags: CAFFIFAFouzi LekjaaFRMFGianni InfantinoPatrice Motsepe

Lekjaa: 2030 World Cup Final Venue Not Yet Decided
Lekjaa: 2030 World Cup Final Venue Not Yet Decided

Morocco World

time5 hours ago

  • Morocco World

Lekjaa: 2030 World Cup Final Venue Not Yet Decided

Marrakech – Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and head of the 2030 World Cup organizing committee, has refuted recent reports claiming that Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium has been selected to host the 2030 World Cup final. Speaking on a special program broadcast on Morocco's Al Aoula channel Friday evening, Lekjaa clarified that the selection of stadiums for the tournament remains subject to negotiations between the three host countries – Morocco, Spain, and Portugal – in coordination with FIFA. 'Decisions related to the World Cup are not made by club presidents, but by the organizing committees of the three countries in coordination with FIFA,' Lekjaa stated. He pointed out that 'the press is free to publish what it wants, but what is certain, until now, is that Morocco, Spain, and Portugal have earned the honor of organizing this global event.' The FRMF president asserted that no official decision has been made regarding the distribution of matches or the selection of the stadium for the final. This comes in response to Spanish media reports suggesting that FIFA had chosen the Santiago Bernabeu stadium to host the tournament's final match. According to the Spanish website Defensa Central, Real Madrid had reportedly received confirmation from FIFA about renting the historic stadium for the final, citing its technological development and large capacity of over 80,000 spectators. During the interview, Lekjaa suggested that 'the opening and final will take place in the largest stadium ready for the 2030 World Cup,' a statement that positions Morocco's Grand Benslimane Stadium, officially known as Hassan II Stadium, as a logical favorite. Morocco builds the world's biggest stadium Currently under construction near Casablanca, this project – with a capacity exceeding 115,000 spectators – is considered by far the largest of its kind in the world, making it a strong contender against Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu and Barcelona's Spotify Camp Nou. The construction of Benslimane Stadium is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Moroccan construction companies TGCC and SGTM were awarded the second lot of the project in June, in a deal valued at MAD 3.2 billion ($320 million). The stadium will take the form of a massive white tent embodying the 'moussem culture' and will be connected to a network of highways and public transportation, along with sports facilities, including a 'green fields village' and recreational facilities. Lekjaa also spotlighted the North African country's golden era in football, both at the national team and club levels on the continental stage. He noted that 'the boom in Moroccan football today is reinforced by modern infrastructure, which will enable us to continue to excel and win titles in the future.' The FRMF president reminded that Morocco has become a central player in African and international football. 'The Kingdom is now a host for major competitions. This is not a slogan, it's a reality being built on the ground,' he said during the broadcast. The 2030 World Cup will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, with stadium selection subject to strict criteria including capacity, infrastructure, technological readiness, safety, comfort, and sustainability. The final decision will be based on a collective agreement between all concerned parties, with consideration for fair distribution of important matches among the three host countries. Read also: FIFA Opens New Africa Office in Rabat Tags: 2030 World CupFouzi LekjaaHassan II Stadium

Everton, Bayern Munich Reach Deal Over Defender Adam Aznou
Everton, Bayern Munich Reach Deal Over Defender Adam Aznou

Morocco World

time6 hours ago

  • Morocco World

Everton, Bayern Munich Reach Deal Over Defender Adam Aznou

Rabat — Everton Football Club has reached an agreement with Bayern Munich to sign the Moroccan international and the club's left-back Adam Aznou. The Toffees will pay an initial €9 million for the 19-year-old Morocco international, with another €3 million coming through add-ons, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported . Aznou will undergo his medical in the next 24 to 48 hours after agreeing on personal terms with the Premier League club. Manager David Moyes wants to strengthen his club's left-back position and give competition to current starter Vitalii Mykolenko. The signing represents The Friedkin Group's first major move since taking over as Everton's new owners this summer. Bayern Munich's Christoph Freund has called Aznou 'exceptional,' but the teenager chose to leave the Allianz Arena to find more playing time. The German champions agreed to let him go as he seeks regular first-team football. Everton needed defensive reinforcements after several first-team players left when their contracts expired at the end of last season. The club has moved quickly to address these gaps under its new ownership. Aznou has accepted Everton's project and looks forward to playing at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The deal now moves toward completion, with only the medical remaining before the transfer becomes official. The signing shows Everton's ambition under The Friedkin Group, who want to make an immediate impact in their first transfer window as owners. Moyes will welcome the addition of a highly-rated young defender who can develop while providing depth in a key position. Tags: adam aznouBayern MunichEvertonTransfer

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store