By Deborah Nnamdi
Nigeria’s Super Falcons booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in style, dismantling Zambia 5-0 on Friday in Casablanca.
Widely expected to be a closely contested match, the game turned into a dominant display by the nine-time champions, who overwhelmed the Copper Queens with a blend of intensity and clinical finishing.
Nigeria got off to a flying start just two minutes in, as centre-back Osinachi Ohale headed home from a well-placed free-kick, catching the Zambian defence flat-footed and leaving goalkeeper Petronella Musole with no chance.
Zambia nearly drew level in the 30th minute, but Grace Chanda failed to convert a clear chance. Moments later, Nigeria made them pay—Esther Okoronkwo fired in a precise finish to double the lead.
The Super Falcons tightened their grip just before halftime when Chinwendu Ihezuo capitalized on a defensive mix-up to slot in a third goal, effectively putting the result beyond doubt.
In the second half, Oluwatosin Demehin added a fourth with a powerful header from another set-piece, and substitute Folashade Ijamilusi rounded off the emphatic win in stoppage time with a sharp finish.
Zambia, which edged Nigeria for bronze at the 2022 edition of the tournament, was kept completely at bay. Their prolific forwards, Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji—each with three goals in the group stage—were shut out and failed to register a single shot on target.
The victory extends Nigeria’s record as the only team in the competition yet to concede a goal. The Super Falcons will face either defending champions South Africa or Senegal in the semi-final scheduled for Tuesday at 16:00 GMT.
