Nigeria thrash Zambia 5-0 to reach Wafcon semi-finals - video
Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered a commanding performance in Casablanca to thrash Zambia 5-0 and secure a place in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The emphatic victory not only avenged their 2022 defeat to the Copper Queens but also sent a strong message to their continental rivals about their title ambitions. The nine-time African champions were ruthless in front of goal and solid at the back, keeping yet another clean sheet in what has been a near-perfect campaign in Morocco.
Early goal sets the tone for Super Falcons’ domination
From the very first whistle at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Nigeria asserted their dominance. The breakthrough came as early as the 2nd minute, when experienced defender Osinachi Ohale rose unmarked to head home a perfectly delivered free-kick from Esther Okoronkwo. That goal ignited Nigeria’s attack and completely rattled the Zambian defense.
Despite a golden opportunity for Grace Chanda to equalize on the half-hour mark, blazing a cut-back over the bar, the Copper Queens paid dearly for their wastefulness. Just three minutes later, Okoronkwo, making her first start of the tournament, doubled the lead with a composed finish after chest-controlling Rasheedat Ajibade’s cross and drilling it low into the bottom corner.
Ihezuo and Demehin seal the win before the hour
Before Zambia could regroup, Chinwendu Ihezuo pounced on a defensive mix-up right before halftime. A long ball from goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie caused chaos in the Zambian backline, and Ihezuo calmly slotted the ball past Petronella Musole to make it 3-0.
By the 67th minute, it was 4-0. Once again, Okoronkwo turned provider with an inswinging free-kick that was met by Oluwatosin Demehin, who powered her header into the net. Nigeria’s set-piece proficiency was on full display, highlighting a tactical edge that may prove decisive deeper into the tournament.
Substitute Folashade Ijamilusi capped off the rout in stoppage time, tapping in Ajibade’s driven cross at the far post to complete the 5-0 demolition and leave Zambia shell-shocked.
Zambia's attack blanked as Nigeria remains unbeaten
Much had been expected from Zambia’s strike duo Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, both of whom had impressed during the group stage. However, against a well-drilled Nigerian backline, the pair were completely nullified and failed to register a single shot on target throughout the 90 minutes.
This was a far cry from the Zambian side that defeated Nigeria to claim third place in the 2022 edition. Their attacking flair was suffocated by Nigeria’s defensive discipline and relentless pressing. Keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, largely untested, was quick off her line to extinguish any danger and continued her clean-sheet streak at the tournament.
Nigeria’s “Mission X” on track for 10th WAFCON Title
With three straight clean sheets and an attack now firing on all cylinders, Nigeria’s “Mission X”—their quest for a historic 10th Women’s AFCON title, appears to be on course. Head coach Justin Madugu made six changes from the goalless draw against Algeria in their final Group B game, and the decision paid dividends.
The early goals allowed Nigeria to rest key players in the closing minutes, a valuable tactical move with the semi-final looming. The Super Falcons will next face the winner of South Africa vs Senegal, who square off in Oujda on Saturday at 19:00 GMT. Nigeria’s semi-final will take place on Tuesday at 16:00 GMT.
Zambia’s WAFCON journey ends in disappointment
Having qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2020 Olympics, Zambia came into WAFCON 2024 as a dark horse. Their ambitions were high, and fans hoped for a deep tournament run. But after finishing second in their group behind hosts Morocco, their campaign ended with a heavy defeat at the hands of a resurgent Nigerian side.
Head coach Nora Hauptle will have to regroup and rebuild ahead of the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers, as the Copper Queens continue to seek their first major continental trophy.
What’s Next? WAFCON 2024 Semi-Finals on the Horizon
With confidence sky-high and momentum clearly on their side, Nigeria look poised to reclaim the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title they last won in 2018. Fans around the continent and the world will be tuning in to see if the Super Falcons can complete Mission X and lift their record-extending 10th WAFCON trophy.
SportsLigue