Nigeria dominate in Casablanca as Okoronkwo, Ajibade and co. send a clear message to rival.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons stormed into the semifinals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in emphatic fashion on Friday night after thrashing Zambia 5–0 in a commanding display.
Right from the first whistle at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, the defending champions meant business.
Within just two minutes, Osinachi Ohale headed home the opener following a pinpoint cross from Esther Okoronkwo. That early goal visibly shook the Zambians, who never quite recovered from the shock.
Although the Copper Queens tried to regroup, they found it difficult to penetrate a well-drilled Nigerian defence. Even with Barbra Banda trying to drive her side forward, her 17th-minute attempt lacked the power to trouble goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Before Zambia could settle into the rhythm of the match, Nigeria struck again. This time, it was Rasheedat Ajibade who turned provider, curling a dangerous ball into the box that Okoronkwo controlled brilliantly before slamming in Nigeria’s second.
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Just as halftime approached, Nnadozie’s booming clearance caught Zambia off guard; a grateful Chiwendu Ihezuo latched on and netted her third goal of the tournament to make it 3–0 at the break.
Following the restart, Zambia tried to show more urgency, but their best opportunity fizzled when Banda collided with Nnadozie in the box, ending the brief moment of threat. From that point onward, it was all Nigeria once more.
As Nigeria continued to dominate possession and stretch the Zambian backline, another moment of brilliance arrived in the 68th minute. Okoronkwo, again involved, swung in a set-piece that Tosin Demehin met with authority to extend the lead to 4–0.
However, Nigeria weren’t done yet. With Zambia offering little resistance in the closing stages, substitute Folashade Ijamilusi took advantage of a late opportunity to score her maiden goal of the tournament, rounding off a 5–0 rout that firmly stamped Nigeria’s authority on the competition.
Having now scored 11 goals and kept four consecutive clean sheets, the Falcons are clearly hitting form at the perfect time. They will now turn their focus to the semifinals, where they await the winner of the quarterfinal clash between South Africa and Senegal.
For Zambia, however, this defeat marks a disappointing end to their campaign. After finishing third in the previous edition, they fall short this time.
Tags: #MissionX, #SoarSuperFalcons, #NGAZAM, #WAFCON2024, Folashade Ijamilusi, Super Falcons, Esther Okoronkwo, Tosin Demehin, Chiwendu Ihezuo, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Rasheedat Ajibade, Osinachi Ohale, Copper Queens.
