WAFCON: Nigeria’s defensive discipline will be key against South Africa – Oparanozie

Former Nigeria women’s national team captain Desire Oparanozie has explained why Nigeria have the edge heading into their semifinals of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, on Tuesday.

The nine-time champions will come up against the defending champions South Africa in what promises to be a thriller with a final ticket at stake. Nigeria will go into the fixture having not conceded a goal in the group stages and the quarterfinals.

They started off their campaign with a 3-0 win against Tunisia, edged out Botswana 1-0, drew 0-0 against Algeria before mauling Zambia 5-0 in the last eight.

“It means everything. It’s all to play for encounter, it’s more than just a game. A clash of titans with national pride on the line. A rekindled rivalry,” Oparanozie told CAFOnline.com.

“I will advise the Super Falcons to maintain a compact defensive shape, similar to how they dealt with the Zambian attack and during the group phase without conceding a goal. They should defend narrowly to congest the center and prevent SA strikers from getting clear chances, and ensure there’s no space for them to exploit.”

Oparanozie added: “From experience as someone who’s played in the fierce rivalry. The key factors to beat Bayana Bayana would be: a compact defensive shape, utilise every scoring opportunity (can’t be complacent in front of goal on Tuesday), quick transitions, dominate the midfield, and a bit of individual brilliance.”

She concluded: “Ladies, this is it! You’ve worked hard to get here. Remember the legacy you’re building, it’s #MissionX or nothing. Play for each other, you’ve faced tougher opposition and you’ve come out on top. South Africa will be a challenge, but you’re ready. Let’s go out there and make Nigeria proud. Super Falcons! In God we trust!”

The last meeting between the two women’s football giants was in 2022 in the group stages of same tournament with South Africa winning 2-1, courtesy of goals from Jermaine Seoposenwe and Hilda Magaia, and went on to win the title.