Nigeria’s Super Falcons put on a dominant performance as they crushed Zambia’s Copper Queens 5-0 in the quarter-final of the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, held at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Morocco.
This emphatic win not only booked the Falcons a spot in the tournament’s semi-finals but also reaffirmed their status as favourites to lift the title. The Nigerian team showcased cohesion, pace, and attacking prowess from the very beginning of the match.
The scoring began just moments after kickoff, with defender Osinachi Ohale finding the net in the 2nd minute. Her early goal set the tone for what would become a one-sided affair.
By the 33rd minute, Esther Okoronkwo doubled Nigeria’s lead with a clinical finish, capping off a well-worked team move. As halftime approached, Chinwendu Ihezuo struck in the 45th minute, extending the scoreline to 3-0 before the break.
The Falcons maintained pressure in the second half. Defender Tosin Demehin added a fourth goal in the 68th minute, rising above the Zambian defense to head home a free kick expertly delivered by Okoronkwo.
Substitute Folashade Ijamilusi rounded off the scoring in injury time, netting Nigeria’s fifth goal in the 91st minute to seal a memorable victory for the nine-time African champions.
Defensively, the Super Falcons were rock solid. Led by Ashleigh Plumptre, the Nigerian backline successfully neutralized Zambia’s key attacking threats, including the prolific Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, who struggled to find any space or scoring opportunities.
Throughout the match, Nigeria controlled the tempo, enjoyed the majority of possession, and constantly pushed forward. Midfielders and forwards combined seamlessly, with both Okoronkwo and Ihezuo not only scoring but also creating numerous goal-scoring chances for teammates.
The win marks one of the most dominant displays so far in the tournament and sends a strong message to the remaining teams as the Super Falcons continue their quest for a tenth WAFCON title.