Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered a dominant display on Friday, trashing Zambia 5–0 in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca
Goals from Osinachi Ohale, Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Folashade Ijamilusi secured Nigeria’s place in the semi-finals and served as revenge for their 1–0 loss to the Copper Queens in the third-place match of WAFCON 2022.
The Falcons struck early, with Ohale rising above the defence to head home a pinpoint cross just two minutes into the match. Despite Zambia’s attempt to fight back, building play around African Women’s Footballer of the Year Barbara Banda, Nigeria doubled their lead in the 26th minute. Okoronkwo expertly brought down a lofted ball and fired a powerful half-volley past goalkeeper Ngambo Musole.
Ihezuo added a third shortly before halftime, shrugging off a defender and slotting the ball into the bottom corner to give Nigeria a comfortable 3–0 lead at the break.
The Super Falcons maintained their momentum in the second half, dominating possession and creating more chances. Demehin made it 4–0 in the 68th minute with a close-range header, as Nigeria continued to overwhelm their opponents.
Substitutes Asisat Oshoala and Christy Ucheibe added fresh energy to the squad, and in stoppage time, Rasheedat Ajibade set up Ijamilusi with a sharp cross, which she finished clinically at the near post to complete the rout.
“This victory means a lot to us,” said head coach Justin Madugu after the match, as Nigeria booked their 13th semi-final appearance in WAFCON history.
The win also marked the team’s fourth consecutive clean sheet at the tournament. The nine-time champions now shift focus to the semi-finals as they continue their pursuit of a record-extending tenth title.
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