Michelle Alozie’s Last-Minute Thunderbolt: The Strike That Shattered South Africa and Sent Nigeria to WAFCON Glory

RYNI Media: By Omotayo Stephen . O
23 July 2025

In a heart-pounding semi-final clash that will forever echo in the annals of Nigerian football, Michelle Alozie emerged as an unlikely heroine, delivering a 94th-minute stunner that shattered South African hearts and catapulted the Super Falcons into the final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The drama began with Rasheedat Ajibade’s clinical penalty just before halftime, a result of a costly handball by South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane. Nigeria went into the break with a slender lead, only for Linda Motlhalo to equalize for Banyana Banyana from the spot midway through the second half, following a foul by Osinachi Ohale.

As the clock ticked into stoppage time, extra time seemed inevitable—until Alozie, a defender for Houston Dash, launched a speculative long-range ball into the South African box. It seemed harmless. But the ball took on a life of its own, skipping past defenders and goalkeeper Andile Dlamini before nestling in the net. A stunned silence from the South Africans turned into raucous celebration for Nigeria. The Super Falcons had done it—2-1.

For Alozie, this wasn’t just a goal—it was her first-ever strike at a WAFCON tournament, and what a way to open her account. The timing, the execution, and the impact turned an ordinary play into a moment of legend.

Despite the heartbreak of Gabriela Salgado’s injury late in the game, Nigeria’s grit never wavered. The Falcons stood tall, weathering pressure and capitalizing on a rare late opening to seal one of their most dramatic wins in recent memory.

Now, with a record-extending 10th WAFCON title within reach, the Super Falcons look ahead to Saturday’s final in Rabat, where they will face either host Morocco or regional rivals Ghana.

Why This Moment Matters:

Alozie’s Breakout Moment: Her first WAFCON goal is already iconic.

Clutch Performance: Scored in the dying seconds to eliminate the reigning champions.

Defining Legacy: A moment that will be replayed in African football history for years.

The Falcons are flying high—and with Alozie’s magical strike, their wings look stronger than ever.

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