Nigeria secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over defending champions South Africa in the semifinals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), thanks to a dramatic 94th-minute winner from Michelle Alozie. The victory keeps the Super Falcons on course for a record-extending 10th continental title.
Rasheedat Ajibade had given Nigeria the lead just before halftime with a penalty after Bambanani Mbane was adjudged to have handled Folashade Ijamilusi’s shot. However, South Africa fought back in the second half, equalizing through Linda Motlhalo’s composed spot-kick following a foul by Osinachi Ohale.
The match seemed destined for extra time until Alozie’s late delivery into the box deceived goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, sparking wild celebrations for Nigeria. South Africa, who had battled injuries throughout the game—including a serious one to Gabriela Salgado late on—were left heartbroken by the last-gasp winner.
Nigeria will now face either hosts Morocco or Ghana in Saturday’s final. The Super Falcons, who last won the title in 2018, endured a tougher test than their 5-0 quarterfinal rout of Zambia, while South Africa’s hopes of a second WAFCON crown under coach Desiree Ellis came to a painful end.
Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.
Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.
He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.
Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).
He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.
He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.
Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled: Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.
