{"id":120784,"date":"2025-07-18T20:48:46","date_gmt":"2025-07-18T19:48:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/?p=120784"},"modified":"2025-07-18T20:48:46","modified_gmt":"2025-07-18T19:48:46","slug":"wafcon-ruthless-falcons-thrash-zambia-5-0","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/news\/wafcon-ruthless-falcons-thrash-zambia-5-0\/","title":{"rendered":"WAFCON: Ruthless Falcons Thrash Zambia 5-0"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By Oscar Okhifo<\/strong><\/div>\n
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Nigeria\u2019s 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\u2019s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).<\/strong><\/div>\n
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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.<\/strong><\/div>\n
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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.<\/strong><\/div>\n
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Okoronkwo soon doubled Nigeria\u2019s lead in the 33rd minute, capping off a fluid attacking move with a low finish into the bottom corner.\u00a0<\/strong><\/div>\n
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Just before halftime, Chinwendu Ihezuo made it 3-0 with a calm, clinical strike that left the Zambian goalkeeper helpless and gasping.<\/strong><\/div>\n
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The second half brought more misery for the Copper Queens, as Nigeria\u2019s defense remained rock solid while the attack kept piling on the pressure.<\/strong><\/div>\n
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\u00a0Centre-back Oluwatosin Demehin rose highest to nod in Nigeria\u2019s fourth goal in the 68th minute, further highlighting the team\u2019s set-piece prowess.<\/strong><\/div>\n
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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.<\/strong><\/div>\n
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The victory also marked Nigeria\u2019s fourth consecutive clean sheet at the tournament, making them the only team yet to concede a goal.<\/strong><\/div>\n
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\u00a0It also extended their record of reaching the WAFCON semi-finals in every edition they\u2019ve participated in.<\/strong><\/div>\n
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Despite the threat posed by Zambia\u2019s attacking duo of Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, Nigeria\u2019s defensive setup, led by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and Ashleigh Plumptre, kept them firmly in check.<\/strong><\/div>\n
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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.<\/strong><\/div>\n
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The Falcons\u2019 ruthless performance sends a strong message to their rivals as they edge closer to yet another WAFCON crown. Go for it girls!<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n