By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered a strong performance on Friday evening, cruising into the semifinals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a commanding 5-0 victory over Zambia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
The nine-time African champions wasted no time asserting dominance, with Osinachi Ohale nodding home the opener just two minutes into the match after connecting with a pinpoint cross from Esther Okoronkwo.
Though Zambia tried to respond, with captain Barbra Banda testing the waters in the 17th minute, their efforts were easily dealt with by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, as Nigeria’s high-pressing game stifled their rhythm.
Nigeria doubled the lead in the 33rd minute, thanks to a brilliant chest-and-volley finish from Okoronkwo, who converted a fine cross by Rasheedat Ajibade.
The Super Falcons weren’t done yet. A long clearance from Nnadozie caught the Zambian defence off-guard in the 43rd minute, allowing Chiwendu Ihezuo to capitalize and fire home her third goal of the tournament, sending Nigeria into halftime with a 3-0 lead.
Zambia came out with more aggression in the second half, but couldn’t break down a resolute Nigerian defence. Their closest chance fell to Banda, who collided with Nnadozie during a one-on-one opportunity.
Nigeria struck again in the 68th minute through Tosin Demehin, who rose highest to head in Okoronkwo’s expertly delivered free kick. The route was complete in the dying minutes when Folashade Ijamilusi netted her first goal of the tournament, sealing a five-star performance for the Super Falcons.
With four straight clean sheets and an unbeaten run, Nigeria now awaits the winner between South Africa and Senegal in the semifinals, as they continue their quest for a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
For Zambia, the heavy defeat marks the end of their campaign, falling short of the third-place finish they achieved in 2022.
