Stephen Dunmoye
The Super duper Falcons of Nigeria has whitewashed Zambia in Casablanca on Friday evening, overwhelming them in 5-0 to secure a place in the semifinals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)
The defending champions wasted no time stamping their authority, with Osinachi Ohale nodding in the opener just two minutes into the clash after a brilliant cross from Esther Okoronkwo. That early blow rattled Zambia, who struggled to find their footing against a relentless Nigerian side.
Despite flashes of resistance led by captain Barbra Banda, the Copper Queens couldn’t break down a disciplined Super Falcons defence. Banda’s effort in the 17th minute failed to test Chiamaka Nnadozie, who remained largely untroubled throughout the match.
Nigeria doubled their lead before the half-hour mark when Rasheedat Ajibade’s cross met Okoronkwo, who expertly brought it down and smashed in the second goal. Just before halftime, a long clearance from Nnadozie caught the Zambian defence off guard, allowing Chiwendu Ihezuo to pounce and bag her third goal of the tournament, pushing the scoreline to 3-0 by the break.
Zambia came out with more urgency after the restart and nearly got on the board, but Banda’s collision with Nnadozie snuffed out their best chance of the game.
Okoronkwo, once again influential, delivered a pinpoint set-piece in the 68th minute which Tosin Demehin powered home for Nigeria’s fourth goal. The icing on the cake came late in the match, with Folashade Ijamilusi scoring her first of the tournament to seal a dominant 5-0 result.
With four straight clean sheets and 11 goals scored so far, the Super Falcons look every bit the title contenders. They now await the winner of the South Africa vs Senegal quarterfinal tie to determine their semifinal opponent. Meanwhile, Zambia bow out of the competition, falling short of their bronze finish from the previous edition.
