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By Oscar Okhifo
Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered a commanding performance on Friday evening, thrashing Zambia 5-0 to secure a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The quarter-final encounter which held at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco, saw the Nigerian team assert their dominance from the first whistle, as they continue their march toward a 10th continental title.
Osinachi Ohale opened the scoring for the Falcons in the 2nd minute with a towering header from a perfectly delivered set-piece by Esther Okoronkwo. The early goal set the tone for what turned out to be a one-sided affair.
Okoronkwo soon doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 33rd minute, capping off a fluid attacking move with a low finish into the bottom corner.
Just before halftime, Chinwendu Ihezuo made it 3-0 with a calm, clinical strike that left the Zambian goalkeeper helpless and gasping.
The second half brought more misery for the Copper Queens, as Nigeria’s defense remained rock solid while the attack kept piling on the pressure.
Centre-back Oluwatosin Demehin rose highest to nod in Nigeria’s fourth goal in the 68th minute, further highlighting the team’s set-piece prowess.
Substitute Folashade Ijamilusi sealed the rout with a stoppage-time goal, completing the 5-0 demolition and sending the Super Falcons into the semi-finals in style. It was a shellacking.
The victory also marked Nigeria’s fourth consecutive clean sheet at the tournament, making them the only team yet to concede a goal.
It also extended their record of reaching the WAFCON semi-finals in every edition they’ve participated in.
Despite the threat posed by Zambia’s attacking duo of Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, Nigeria’s defensive setup, led by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and Ashleigh Plumptre, kept them firmly in check.
With the win, Nigeria now awaits the outcome of the South Africa vs Senegal quarter-final to determine their next opponent in the semi-finals.
The Falcons’ ruthless performance sends a strong message to their rivals as they edge closer to yet another WAFCON crown. Go for it girls!