Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered a dominant performance on Friday, overpowering Zambia 5-0 in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2024 quarterfinal encounter at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
Goals from Osinachi Ohale, Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Folashade Ijamilusi secured the emphatic win and sent Nigeria into the semifinals for a record 12th time in the competition’s history.
The emphatic victory also served as payback for Nigeria, who suffered a 1-0 defeat to Zambia in the third-place match at the 2022 tournament.
From the opening whistle, Nigeria signaled their intent. Just two minutes in, Ohale rose to meet a cross and headed home the opener, setting the tone for the one-sided affair.
Zambia, captained by reigning African Women’s Footballer of the Year Barbara Banda, attempted to respond but struggled to break down the resolute Nigerian defense.
In the 26th minute, Okoronkwo extended the lead with a stunning half-volley following a composed first touch and control of the ball.
Moments before halftime, Ihezuo made it 3-0 after muscling past a defender and finishing confidently into the bottom corner, giving the Falcons a comfortable lead at the break.
Despite several crucial saves from Zambia’s goalkeeper, Ng’ambo Musole, the Nigerian attack remained relentless in the second half. The pressure paid off in the 68th minute when Demehin capitalized on a loose ball in the box to score the fourth.
Coach Justin Madugu then refreshed the squad, introducing Asisat Oshoala and Christy Ucheibe in place of Okoronkwo and Halimatu Ayinde.
Substitute Ijamilusi rounded off the scoring in the 90th minute, completing a five-star performance from the defending champions.
With the win, Nigeria has now kept four clean sheets in as many matches in the 2024 tournament, underlining both their defensive strength and ambitions for another continental title.
