Nigeria’s Super Falcons sent a strong message to their rivals on Friday after dismantling Zambia 5-0 in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 quarter-final clash at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
The Nigerian side, determined to avenge their 0-1 loss to Zambia in the 3rd place match at WAFCON 2022, wasted no time in asserting dominance. Osinachi Ohale gave the Falcons the perfect start, heading home in the second minute to settle any nerves.
Zambia, led by the 2024 African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Barbara Banda, attempted to claw their way back into the match but found the Super Falcons unplayable on the night.
Esther Okoronkwo doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 26th minute with a brilliant half-volley after controlling the ball expertly in the box. Chinwendu Ihezuo added the third on the stroke of halftime, calmly slotting the ball past Zambian goalkeeper Ngambo Musole.
In the second half, Nigeria piled on the pressure and were rewarded in the 68th minute when Oluwatosin Demehin scored a close-range header to make it 4-0.
Coach Justin Madugu’s substitutions brought even more bite to the Falcons’ attack, as star striker Asisat Oshoala and Christy Ucheibe came on to maintain the relentless tempo. In stoppage time, team captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s precise cross found Folashade Ijamilusi at the near post, who tapped in to seal the emphatic 5-0 victory.
The win means the nine-time WAFCON champions have now reached a record 13th semi-final and remain the only team in this year’s competition yet to concede a goal in four matches.
With the title race heating up, the Super Falcons have shown they remain the team to beat as they chase a historic 10th African crown.
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