The seven-time African champions will now face the hosts, the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in Saturday's final billed for the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaounde.
Nigeria were lucky to finish the first half with a clean slate as what would have been the curtain raiser by the Desire Ellis-piloted side was scored from an offside position.
The Florence Omagbemi-team missed a pocket of chances especially in the first half before the Guingamp of France striker, Oparanozie scored what turned out to be the winner nine minutes into the second half with a thunderous free kick close to the goal area, which caught goalkeeper Andile Dlamini helpless.
Faith Ikidi had been fouled by an overzealous Banyana Banyana player leading to the award of infringement in favour of the reigning African champions.
Asisat Oshoala, who is leading the goal chart with six goals, was axed in a goal-bound move in the 85th minute but the centre referee turned a blind eye to the penalty appeal
Meanwhile, the hosts made it to the final courtesy of the 72nd minute goal by Raissa Feudijo which silenced the Black Queens of Ghana in the tension-soaked match in Yaounde.
The Ghanaian goalkeeper, Ama Nana Asantewa was had misjudged a cross while Raissa cashed in on the rebound to flick the ball into the roof of the net after Njoya Ajara's effort had been cleared off the line.
Patricia Mantey later finished the match for the Black Queens after Asantewa was stretchered off as a result of a head injury.
Mantey was brilliant enough to stop what would have given the hosts another goal in the dying minutes when she tipped Michelle Ngono Mani's rocket of a shot over the bar.
It will be recalled that Nigeria defeated Cameroon 5-0 in the final of the 2004 edition in South Africa and also two years ago in the final in Namibia 2-0.
The Lionesses, it will be recalled, had defeated the Falcons 1-0 to win the bronze at the 2012 edition.
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Caption:
Desire Oparanozie, scored the match winner for Nigeria.
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