Nigeria booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a dominant 5-0 win over Zambia on Friday in Casablanca.
The Super Falcons, seeking a record-extending 10th title, delivered a masterclass in clinical finishing and defensive organisation against a Zambian side that had been widely tipped to push them hard.
Osinachi Ohale set the tone early, heading in a free-kick just two minutes after kick-off. Zambia’s best chance came in the 30th minute, but Grace Chanda failed to convert. Nigeria made them pay almost immediately, as Esther Okoronkwo doubled the lead with a composed strike.
Chinwendu Ihezuo made it 3-0 just before half-time, capitalising on a defensive mix-up to all but seal the tie.
The second half brought more misery for Zambia. Oluwatosin Demehin added a fourth with another set-piece header, and substitute Folashade Ijamilusi wrapped up the scoring in stoppage time.
Despite boasting top scorers Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, the Copper Queens failed to register a shot on target, a testament to Nigeria’s defensive dominance.
The Super Falcons, who are yet to concede in the tournament, will face either South Africa or Senegal in Tuesday’s semi-final at 16:00 GMT.
