The Super Falcons of Nigeria on Friday night delivered a masterclass performance, thrashing the Copper Queens of Zambia 5–0 to book their place in the semi-finals of the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
From start to finish, it was a ruthless and commanding display from Randy Waldrum’s side, who showed exactly why they remain the most successful team on the continent.
Veteran defender Osinachi Ohale set the tone early, rising highest to nod home a well-taken corner in just the 3rd minute. Esther Okoronkwo then doubled the advantage in the 33rd minute after calmly finishing a swift counterattack that carved through the Zambian defence.
As Nigeria turned on the style, Chinwendu Ihezuo made it three just before half-time with a powerful strike that left the Zambian goalkeeper stranded. The Nigerian bench erupted as the Falcons tightened their grip on the match.
The onslaught continued in the second half. In the 68th minute, Blessing Demehin pounced on a loose ball in the box and fired home Nigeria’s fourth. The Copper Queens had no response, struggling to string passes together under Nigeria’s relentless pressing.
Substitute Folashade Ijamilusi put the final nail in Zambia’s coffin with a spectacular stoppage-time goal, rounding off an emphatic and complete team performance.
With this victory, Nigeria advances to the semi-finals, where they will face the winner of the Cameroon vs South Africa clash. The Falcons, already boasting a record 11 WAFCON titles, look primed for yet another deep run.
Friday’s result further underscores Nigeria’s reputation as a powerhouse in African women’s football, leaving fans and pundits in no doubt about their championship ambitions.
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