Nigeria’s Super Falcons sent a powerful message to their continental rivals with a dominant 5–0 victory over Zambia in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), securing their place in the semi-finals in emphatic style.
The nine-time African champions wasted no time asserting their authority at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca. Centre-back Osinachi Ohale opened the scoring in just the second minute, rising highest to head home Esther Okoronkwo’s pinpoint cross and put Nigeria in front.
Zambia, who had impressed during the group stage, struggled to recover from the early setback but tried to rally through their influential captain Barbara Banda, whose pace and movement posed problems for the Nigerian backline. However, the Falcons remained composed and doubled their lead in the 33rd minute.
Esther Okoronkwo, who had already registered an assist, turned scorer with a well-taken strike. The AFC Toronto forward expertly brought down Rasheedat Ajibade’s inviting cross before calmly slotting past the Zambian goalkeeper to make it 2–0.
On the stroke of half-time, Chiwendu Ihezuo made it three. The striker capitalised on a defensive lapse to fire home her third goal of the tournament, continuing her impressive form and placing her among the top contenders for the Golden Boot.
Zambia enjoyed a brief spell of possession after the restart, but Nigeria remained compact and disciplined. Any hopes of a Zambian comeback were extinguished in the 68th minute when defender Tosin Demehin added a fourth goal, nodding in another brilliant delivery from the lively Okoronkwo.
With the game firmly in their grasp, Nigeria added the finishing touch in the 90th minute. Substitute Folashade Ijamilusi capped off a flowing move by rifling home a low cross from Ajibade, sealing a five-star performance for the Super Falcons.
Head coach Justine Madugu praised his side’s ruthlessness and focus, noting the players’ “commitment to the team’s tactical plan” as key to the result.
The Super Falcons, chasing a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, will now face the winner of the South Africa vs Senegal quarter-final in the semi-finals next Tuesday.