Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered a commanding performance on Friday, thrashing Zambia 5-0 in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2024 quarterfinal clash at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
Goals from Osinachi Ohale, Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Folashade Ijamilusi sealed the emphatic victory and secured Nigeria’s place in the semifinals for a record 12th time in the tournament’s history.
The result also served as sweet revenge for the Super Falcons, who had lost 0-1 to Zambia in the third-place playoff at the 2022 edition of the competition.
From the onset, Nigeria made their intentions clear. Just two minutes in, a well-placed cross found the head of Ohale, who nodded the ball home to open the scoring.
That early strike set the tone for what would be a dominant display.
Zambia, led by African Women’s Footballer of the Year Barbara Banda, tried to mount a response, but the Falcons remained unfazed.
In the 26th minute, Okoronkwo doubled Nigeria’s lead with a stunning half-volley after controlling the ball brilliantly.
On the brink of halftime, Chinwendu Ihezuo added a third, shrugging off a defender before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner to give Nigeria a 3-0 cushion at the break.
The Falcons maintained their attacking rhythm in the second half, with Zambia’s goalkeeper, Ng’ambo Musole, making several key saves. But the pressure eventually told.
In the 68th minute, Oluwatosin Demehin pounced on a loose ball in the box to make it four.
Coach Justin Madugu then introduced fresh legs, bringing in Asisat Oshoala and Christy Ucheibe for Okoronkwo and Halimatu Ayinde.
The icing on the cake came in the 90th minute, as substitute Folashade Ijamilusi netted Nigeria’s fifth, rounding off a flawless performance.
Remarkably, the Falcons have now gone four consecutive matches without conceding a goal in this year’s tournament, a testament to their defensive solidity and title ambitions.