Nigeria’s Super Falcons have stormed into the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a commanding 5-0 victory over Zambia in their quarter-final clash on Friday.
The record nine-time African champions delivered a dominant performance, with goals from Osinachi Ohale, Esther Okoronkwo, Chiwendu Ihezuo, Tosin Demehin, and Deborah Ijamilusi ensuring a comprehensive win in Casablanca.
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Nigeria wasted no time asserting their dominance as Ohale nodded in the opener just two minutes into the encounter, converting Okoronkwo’s precise free kick. It set the tone for a match largely controlled by the Falcons.
In the 33rd minute, Okoronkwo doubled Nigeria’s lead with a clever left-footed finish, having expertly controlled Rasheedat Ajibade’s cross with her chest before firing into the net.
Ihezuo extended the advantage shortly before the break, taking advantage of a defensive lapse by the Zambians. She shrugged off her marker and coolly slotted home past the onrushing goalkeeper.
The second half saw the Falcons continue their relentless pressure. Defender Tosin Demehin added the fourth with a towering header from Okoronkwo’s cross in the 68th minute.
Substitute Deborah Ijamilusi put the final nail in Zambia’s coffin in the 90th minute, tapping in a low cross from Ajibade to complete the emphatic win — the biggest margin of victory so far in this year’s competition.
With the result, Nigeria maintains a flawless defensive record in the tournament, having scored eight goals without conceding any.
The victory also marks their third win in four WAFCON encounters against Zambia, having suffered just one defeat in the rivalry.
The Super Falcons will now face the winner of the quarter-final fixture between South Africa and Senegal in the semi-finals, as they continue their quest for a 10th continental crown.
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