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WAFCON 2024: Wemimo Mathew Shares Winning Blueprint as Super Falcons Prepare for Semi-Final Showdown with South Africa
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
As the Super Falcons gear up for their high-stakes semi-final clash against defending champions South Africa at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), former Nigeria assistant coach Wemimo Mathew has advised the team to approach the encounter with renewed focus and discipline, rather than relying on past glories.
Nigeria head into the semi-finals on the back of a commanding 5-0 quarter-final win over Zambia, and are now just one step away from reaching the final in their quest for a record-extending 10th African title.
However, Mathew—currently coach of Remo Stars Ladies—warns that past head-to-head statistics should not lull the Falcons into complacency.
“Regardless of their past record, whether it’s victories or losses against South Africa, they can’t afford to rely on history going into Tuesday’s game,” Mathew told Flashscore.
“They must treat this as a fresh challenge and leave past results behind. What matters is staying focused, playing with the intensity and cohesion they showed in their last match, and going all out for the win.”
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, unbeaten in their last 11 matches, have been in fine form and will look to replicate their 2-1 group-stage victory over Nigeria in 2022, when they went on to win their first-ever continental title. Despite the absence of key striker Thembi Kgatlana, Desiree Ellis’ side remains a major threat.
Still, Nigeria boasts a remarkable defensive record in the tournament—yet to concede a goal—and Mathew believes the current formation and tactical setup have proven effective.
“I don’t think there’s any need to change their pattern because it is clearly working for them,” she said.
“Their quarter-final outing was their first truly defining game. It silenced critics and showed the Falcons are ready. The team played with unity, attacking intent, and tactical maturity.”
Mathew emphasized that maintaining momentum, sticking to the current game plan, and displaying continued teamwork and discipline will be key to overcoming South Africa in what is expected to be a fiercely contested match at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
“If they can build on that momentum, stick to a solid game plan, and maintain the same level of intensity and teamwork, they stand a strong chance of getting the better of South Africa,” she concluded.
The winner of the Nigeria–South Africa semi-final will go on to face either host nation Morocco or Ghana in the WAFCON 2024 final, set for July 26 at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
