Super Falcons thrash Zambia 5–0 to reach WAFCON semi-finals

Summary

• Nigeria’s Super Falcons advanced to the semi-finals of WAFCON 2024 after a dominant 5–0 win over Zambia
• The victory avenged their 2022 defeat and reinforced their ambition to claim a record-extending 10th continental title
• Osinachi Ohale, Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Blessing Demehin and Folashade Ijamilusi were all on the scoresheet
• Coach Justin Madugu’s side remain unbeaten and yet to concede in the tournament

Casablanca, Morocco — Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered a ruthless 5–0 demolition of Zambia’s Copper Queens on 18 July 2025 to book their place in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), in a commanding performance at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.

The emphatic result not only sent the reigning African giants through to the last four but also served as sweet revenge for their 1–0 defeat to Zambia in the 2022 third-place playoff. With 11 WAFCON titles already in their cabinet, the Falcons have made it clear they are on a determined mission to reclaim their crown.

Goals galore in Casablanca

Veteran defender Osinachi Ohale set the tone barely two minutes into the match, heading in Esther Okoronkwo’s perfectly delivered free-kick. Okoronkwo followed up with a stunning chest control and volley in the 33rd minute, before Chinwendu Ihezuo capitalised on a defensive error to add a third just before the break.

The second half saw Blessing Demehin rise to head home Nigeria’s fourth in the 68th minute, and substitute Folashade Ijamilusi wrapped up the scoring in stoppage time, latching onto Rasheedat Ajibade’s second assist of the night.

Ajibade’s influential display earned her the Woman of the Match award, as the captain orchestrated play from the wings and provided key passes that dismantled Zambia’s defence.

Tactical discipline and defensive mastery

Coach Justin Madugu deployed a disciplined 4-3-3 system, blending high pressing with long passes to bypass Zambia’s frontline. The defensive pairing of Ohale and Ashleigh Plumptre was unyielding, while goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Africa’s top-rated shot-stopper, remained untested for most of the game, thanks to a cohesive backline.

Zambia, despite a strong group stage campaign, struggled to cope with Nigeria’s pace and tactical fluidity. Their star forwards, Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, were effectively neutralised throughout.

Depth and dominance

The Super Falcons also showed their squad depth. Madugu’s substitutions maintained the team’s intensity, with players like Ijamilusi, Sikiratu Isah, and Christy Ucheibe making notable impacts off the bench. Nigeria’s attacking versatility and relentless pressing overwhelmed a Zambian side that was widely tipped to challenge for a second consecutive medal.

The 5–0 victory marks Nigeria’s fourth straight clean sheet in the competition, bringing their goal tally to 13, the highest so far in the tournament. It also reaffirms their superiority in head-to-head encounters with Zambia, having previously beaten them 6–0 in 2014 and 4–0 in 2018.

Next stop: semi-finals

With this statement win, Nigeria progresses to the semi-finals where they are set to face the winner of the quarter-final between South Africa and Senegal, though some conflicting reports suggest a potential clash with Mali or Morocco. Regardless of the opponent, the Falcons’ confidence is soaring.

As they pursue their tenth WAFCON title under the campaign slogan “Mission X,” the Nigerian side Falcons remain the team to beat, combining experience, youth, and determination in their quest for African football supremacy.