Nigeria’s Super Falcons produced a dominant display on Friday to beat Zambia’s Copper Queens 5-0 at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca, and secure a place in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The victory, their biggest so far in the tournament, was also a form of payback for their 1-0 loss to Zambia in the third-place match three years ago—also in Morocco.
Nigeria started strongly and had the game under control from the opening minutes. Defender Osinachi Ohale set the tone just two minutes in, heading in a free kick from Esther Okoronkwo to give the Falcons an early lead.
Esther Okoronkwo added to the tally in the 33rd minute after collecting a long ball from captain Rasheedat Ajibade and finishing with precision.
Chinwendu Ihezuo made it 3-0 just before the break with a well-taken shot from inside the box—her third goal of the competition.
Zambia tried to respond in the second half, but their efforts were repeatedly broken up by a solid Nigerian backline that has now kept four consecutive clean sheets in the tournament.
Tosin Demehin scored the fourth goal with a header in the 68th minute, again from a well-delivered Okoronkwo free kick.
Rasheedat Ajibade was involved once more in the fifth goal, sprinting into the box before setting up Folashade Ijamilusi, who had an easy tap-in to complete the rout.
The Falcons will now face the winner of the match between South Africa and Senegal in the semi-finals.
