Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – Nigeria’s Super Falcons advanced to the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a dominant 5–0 win over the Copper Queens of Zambia on Friday. The nine-time African champions wasted no time asserting their dominance, as centre-back Osinachi Ohale opened the scoring in the second minute with a powerful header from Esther Okoronkwo’s pinpoint cross. Zambia’s captain, Barbara Banda, tested Nigeria’s backline with a series of strong runs, but it was the Falcons who continued to control proceedings. Nigeria doubled their lead in the 33rd minute when AFC Toronto striker Esther Okoronkwo expertly controlled a cross from Rasheedat Ajibade before slotting the ball home from inside the penalty area. Chiwendu Ihezuo added a third just before half-time, capitalising on a defensive blunder to register her third goal of the tournament, keeping her in the race for the top scorer award. Although Zambia enjoyed a brief spell of possession after the break, they failed to threaten Justine Madugu’s side, who remained disciplined at the back. Tosin Demehin extended Nigeria’s lead to 4–0 in the 68th minute, nodding in another fine delivery from Okoronkwo. Substitute Folashade Ijamilusi completed the rout in the 90th minute, converting a low pass from Ajibade to seal a comprehensive win. The Super Falcons will face the winner of the South Africa versus Senegal quarter-final in the semi-finals scheduled for Tuesday.
Super Falcons Thrash Zambia 5–0 to Reach WAFCON 2024 Semi-Finals
