Nigeria’s Super Falcons stormed into the semi finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a stunning 5-0 victory over Zambia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Friday, sending a clear message to their rivals in the tournament.
The nine time champions produced a commanding performance that banished the ghosts of a shaky group stage campaign and avenged their 1-0 defeat to the Copper Queens in the bronze medal match three years ago. It also maintained Nigeria’s perfect record of reaching the semi finals in every WAFCON tournament they have played.
Goals from Osinachi Ohale, Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Oluwatosin Demehin and Folashade Ijamilusi sealed an emphatic win in a match that was effectively over by halftime.
Ohale opened the scoring just 90 seconds into the game, heading home from a set piece after being left unmarked in the box. Okoronkwo doubled the lead in the 33rd minute, collecting Rasheedat Ajibade’s cross with her chest before turning and firing low past Zambia’s goalkeeper Ngambo Musole.
Nigeria’s third goal came moments before halftime, when goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie launched a long ball that Ihezuo chased down and calmly slotted into the net. Zambia had little response as their attack, led by star forwards Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, failed to register a single shot on target throughout the game.
In the second half, Demehin headed in a fourth goal from another Okoronkwo delivery, before Ijamilusi added the final blow with a close range finish in stoppage time after another cross from Ajibade.
Coach Justine Madugu made six changes to the starting line up from the goalless draw with Algeria, including giving Okoronkwo her first start of the tournament. The move paid off as the striker delivered a goal and two assists in a standout display.
The Super Falcons remain the only team in the tournament yet to concede a goal and have now scored nine times in four matches. Their blend of defensive discipline and attacking flair will make them strong contenders for a record extending 10th continental title.
Nigeria will now face the winner between South Africa and Senegal in the semi final at the same venue on Tuesday, with the final scheduled for July 26 in Rabat. With an extra day of rest and momentum firmly on their side, the Falcons are eyeing another title triumph in Morocco.
Zambia, who entered the tournament with high hopes after recent appearances at the Olympics and World Cup, were unable to cope with Nigeria’s pace, power and precision. Their golden generation must now turn their attention to the next WAFCON in 2026.
The victory marks the fourth time Nigeria have beaten Zambia at the continental tournament, following previous wins in 2014 and 2018. For the Falcons, Mission X is still alive as they push towards reclaiming the trophy they last won in 2018.
