The Nigerian national female football team, Super Falcons, has qualified for the 2024 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-final after thrashing their Zambian opponent 5-0 during the quarter-final match.
The Super Falcons, unbeaten and unbreached in the tournament so far, maintained their defensive record while producing their most clinical attacking display yet, dismantling the Copper Queens with ruthless efficiency at Stade Larbi Zaouli.
During the game played on Friday in Casablanca, Morocco, the Super Falcons’ intent was clear from the first whistle, and they needed just two minutes to assert control. Centre-back Osinachi Ohale rose highest to head home Esther Okoronkwo’s pinpoint free-kick delivery, setting the tone for a night to forget for Zambia.
The nine-time champions doubled their lead in the 33rd minute when Okoronkwo, again heavily involved, finished off a flowing move with a composed strike into the bottom corner of the Zambian post.
After the second goal, the Zambians, who had shown grit and flair in the group stages, became deflated and were shell-shocked.
Before the half-time whistle, Nigeria added a third through Chinwendu Ihezuo, who pounced on a loose ball in the box to slot in a left-footed finish and all but end the contest.
Zambia, for all their attacking prowess led by the captain, Barbra Banda, and Grace Chanda, failed to replicate the fluid football that had seen them finish second in Group A.
Their attacks were often disjointed and met with a disciplined Nigerian backline anchored by Ashleigh Plumptre.
After the break, Nigeria remained in control, with Galastasary female team defender, Oluwatosin Demehin, who made it 4-0 in the 68th minute after nodding in from close range following another set-piece that wreaked havoc in the Zambian box.
The fifth goal arrived in stoppage time, with substitute Folashade Ijamilusi, who once played for Edo Queens, applying the finishing touch following a good cross from the team’s captain and Athletico Femini forward, Rasheedat Ajibade.
Zambia’s frustration was summed up by Banda’s repeated offside and speculative efforts, while Chanda’s long-range attempt in the 51st minute was comfortably blocked.
With this emphatic victory, Nigeria maintains its push for a record-extending 10th WAFCON title. Zambia, who had hoped to build on their 2022 bronze finish, now exit the tournament having been outclassed by a side yet to concede a single goal.
Nigeria will now await their semi-final opponents with growing confidence and belief that their dominance on the continent remains intact.
