, at the spectacular Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco.){kind=link}
The Super Falcons of Nigeria thrashed the Copper Queens of Zambia 5-0 on Friday to secure a place in the semi-finals of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), at the spectacular Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco.
Nigeria’s intent was clear from the start and they needed just two minutes to open the scoring. Defender Osinachi Ohale rose highest to head home Esther Okoronkwo’s brilliant free-kick delivery, setting the tone for a night to forget for Zambia.
The nine-time champions doubled its lead in the 33rd minute when Okoronkwo, again heavily involved, finished off a flowing move with a composed strike into the bottom corner.
The Super Falcons once again devastating on the attack as the Zambian fans have been silenced. Zambia, who had shown grit and flair in the group stages, looked shell-shocked as they had no answers against Nigeria.
- Read more: WAFCON Match Preview: Nigeria Vs Zambia
Before the half-time whistle, Nigeria added a third. Chinwendu Ihezuo 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 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. Oluwatosin Demehin made it 4-0 in the 68th minute, nodding in from close range after another set-piece wreaked havoc in Zambia’s area.
The fifth arrived in stoppage time, with substitute Folashade Ijamilusi applying the finishing touch following good work by Rasheedat Ajibade.
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.
With this emphatic victory, Nigeria maintain their 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 still 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.
