With the match seemingly heading for extra time, defender Mitchel Alozie launched a long ball into the South African box, which evaded everyone, including the goalkeeper and nestled into the net, stunning the Banyana Banyana defence.
The goal secured Nigeria’s spot in the final and marked a thrilling end to a closely contested semifinal clash.
South Africa have been a formidable opposition for Nigeria, perennial WAFCON champions, and victory served as revenge for a group stage loss in the previous edition of WAFCON.
The Falcons were on top throughout the first half and were only kept at bay by a combination of a save from Andile Dlamini, the South African goalkeeper, and a goal-line clearance by Bambanani Mbane.
But late first half, Nigeria took the lead.
Folashade Ijamilusi won a penalty for the Falcons, and Ajibade slotted home with aplomb for 1-0 going into the interval.
The Banyana Banyana equalized from the penalty spot on 60 minutes.
In the fourth minute of added time, the goalkeeper misjudged Alozie’s deep cross under pressure from Deborah Abiodun and Christy Ucheibe, and the ball sailed into the net for 2-1 in the fourth minute of added time.
Nigeria are billed to meet either Ghana or Morocco in the final on Saturday.