Nigeria delivered a masterclass performance to thrash Zambia 5-0 and book their place in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca. The Super Falcons, nine-time champions, dominated from start to finish, leaving the Copper Queens with no answers in a one-sided quarter-final clash.
The match was effectively decided within minutes as Nigeria took an early lead. Osinachi Ohale rose unchallenged from a free-kick in just the second minute, powering a header past Zambia’s goalkeeper Petronella Musole. Grace Chanda missed a golden chance to equalize for Zambia, and Nigeria punished the lapse almost immediately—Esther Okoronkwo doubled the lead with a composed finish in the 33rd minute. Just before halftime, Chinwendu Ihezuo capitalized on defensive hesitation to make it 3-0, effectively ending the contest.
Nigeria’s dominance continued in the second half. Oluwatosin Demehin headed in another from a set-piece in the 67th minute, and substitute Folashade Ijamilusi completed the rout in stoppage time with a clinical strike. Zambia, who had stunned Nigeria to claim bronze in the 2022 edition, were completely outmatched this time, with their star forwards Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji failing to register a single shot on target.
The Super Falcons, yet to concede a goal in the tournament, now await the winner between defending champions South Africa and Senegal in Tuesday’s semi-final (16:00 GMT). With this emphatic victory, Nigeria has sent a clear message—they are serious contenders to reclaim the WAFCON title.
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