Nigeria’s Super Falcons stormed into the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a commanding 5-0 win over Zambia’s Copper Queens.
The nine-time champions wasted no time asserting their dominance, with defender Osinachi Ohale nodding home a pinpoint cross from Esther Okoronkwo just two minutes into the match.
Zambia’s captain, Barbara Banda, led attempts to rally her side, but Nigeria’s control was further solidified in the 33rd minute when Okoronkwo turned scorer, slotting in calmly after connecting with a brilliant cross from Rasheedat Ajibade.
Shortly before halftime, Chiwendu Ihezuo punished a defensive error to score Nigeria’s third goal—her third of the tournament—keeping her in the race for the Golden Boot.
Although Zambia enjoyed a brief spell of possession early in the second half, Nigeria’s defense held firm. In the 68th minute, Tosin Demehin headed in a well-placed delivery from Okoronkwo, making it 4-0.
The Super Falcons capped their dominant performance in the final minute as substitute Folashade Ijamilusi smashed in a low cross from Ajibade to seal the 5-0 victory.
With this emphatic win, Coach Justine Madugu’s side now awaits the winner of the South Africa versus Senegal quarter-final clash, with the semi-final scheduled for next Tuesday.
