Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu, has praised the mental toughness of his players after Nigeria’s thrilling 2-1 win over South Africa in the semi-final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Tuesday night.

The match, played with high intensity, saw Nigeria take the lead just before halftime through Rasheedat Ajibade’s penalty. But South Africa came back strong in the second half, equalizing from the spot through Linda Motlhalo after Osinachi Ohale committed a foul inside the box.

Coach Madugu revealed that the equalizer briefly affected the players’ morale.

“The players’ confidence was shaken for a moment,” he said. “But we told them the game wasn’t over, and they needed to stay calm and focused. They believed, and that made the difference.”

The match looked set to head into extra time until Michelle Alozie delivered what seemed like a hopeful cross in stoppage time. The ball sailed over everyone, including South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, and ended up in the net — sealing a dramatic win for Nigeria.

Despite moments where the team lost control, Madugu praised his players for their emotional maturity and determination to fight till the end.

“There was a phase we were careless, and it almost cost us. But we reset, reminded them what was at stake, and they responded like true champions,” he added.

After the final whistle, team captain Rasheedat Ajibade was overwhelmed with emotion and couldn’t speak to the media. Madugu said it was a reflection of how much the win meant to the team.

“These girls gave everything. And when that final whistle went, it was just raw emotion. Gabriella’s injury also shook everyone — we wish her a full recovery.”

On the other side, South Africa’s coach Desiree Ellis dismissed suggestions that her team was playing for a penalty shootout.

“We came to win, not to play for penalties,” she said. “We had our chances, but didn’t take them.”

Although South Africa became the first team to score against Nigeria in this year’s tournament — and had beaten the Falcons in the 2022 edition — it wasn’t enough to stop Nigeria’s march to the final, where they’ll chase their 10th WAFCON title.