As Ghana’s Black Queens and South Africa’s Banyana Banyana face off for bronze in the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the real story may be what it signals for Nigeria’s future in women’s football on the continent.
The third-place clash, billed for Friday at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, pits two of Nigeria’s biggest historical rivals against each other both determined to avoid returning home empty-handed. But beyond the scramble for a consolation medal lies a shifting regional hierarchy: Nigeria’s Super Falcons are once again finalists, and their path to the top included sending South Africa out of gold medal contention.
Ghana’s campaign came to an emotional halt after a dramatic penalty shootout loss to hosts Morocco, while South Africa suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Nigeria a match many fans say felt like an early final.
Speaking ahead of the bronze medal match, Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren admitted his team was hurting but ready to respond.
“We had coaches, staff, and players who were really disappointed,” Björkegren said during the pre-match briefing. “But we’re back on track and focused on finishing strong. We want to do the best we can to win it.”
South Africa’s coach, Desiree Ellis, echoed that sentiment, emphasising pride and resilience. “We’ve worked too hard to leave Morocco with nothing,” she told journalists. “This match is about character as much as football.”
For analysts, both sides’ hunger to secure a podium finish reflects the growing competitiveness in African women’s football a development that ultimately benefits the entire continent.
