Super Falcons Of Nigeria Humiliate Zambia To Reach 2024 WAFCON Semi-Finals

The Super Falcons of Nigeria dismantled Zambia 5-0 to book their place in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

It was a statement performance from the Super Falcons, a record nine-time African champions, who wasted no time stamping their authority on the game earlier today, July 18.

Defender Osinachi Ohale got the ball rolling just two minutes in, rising highest to head in a pinpoint cross from Esther Okoronkwo.

Zambia tried to regroup, with their talismanic captain Barbara Banda pushing hard to trouble Nigeria’s backline. But the Falcons stood tall.

Okoronkwo turned from provider to finisher in the 33rd minute, coolly controlling Rasheedat Ajibade’s teasing delivery before smashing it home to double Nigeria’s lead.

As the first half drew to a close, Chiwendu Ihezuo pounced on a defensive blunder and buried Nigeria’s third with clinical precision, her third of the tournament.

Zambia tried to rally in the second half, enjoying a brief spell of possession. But that glimmer of hope quickly faded.

Tosin Demehin made it four with a thumping header in the 68th minute, again off the boot of Okoronkwo.

And just when it seemed Zambia’s suffering was over, substitute Folashade Ijamilusi capped off the rout in the 90th minute, hammering home a low cutback from Ajibade to complete the demolition.

With this emphatic victory, coach Justine Madugu’s side marches confidently into the semi-finals, where they will face the winner between South Africa and Senegal on Tuesday.