Nine-time champions the Super Falcons of Nigeria delivered a commanding performance on Friday night in Casablanca, demolishing Zambia 5–0 in their 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-final clash to book a spot in the semi-finals.
The Super Falcons, hungry and relentless, blew away the Copper Queens with pace, precision, and purpose, stamping their authority early and never letting up.
It was a performance that stunned many across the continent, especially considering Zambia’s previously unbeaten run in the tournament.
Veteran defender Osinachi Ohale opened the scoring for Nigeria just 100 seconds into the match, rising above the Zambian defence to nod home Esther Okoronkwo’s free-kick.
Nigeria pressed high, won battles in midfield, and dominated the flanks, giving Zambia no breathing space. Though the Zambians had a couple of attempts in the 21st and 30th minutes, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and her well-drilled backline shut the door with ease.
The Super Falcons doubled their lead in the 33rd minute with a sweeping move: Echegini won the ball in midfield and fed Ashleigh Plumptre, who set up Ajibade. The skipper floated in a well-measured pass which Okoronkwo chested down and smashed into the far corner, a classy finish.
Nigeria made it 3–0 just before halftime. A long clearance by Nnadozie was misjudged by the Zambian defence, allowing Chinwendu Ihezuo to tap the ball inside the net.
In the second half, the Super Falcons remained in control, neutralising Zambia’s danger duo of Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji with ease.
Tosin Demehin made it four with a thumping header from a set-piece, before debutant Folasade Ijamilusi capped a dream start with Nigeria’s fifth, latching onto Ajibade’s defence-splitting pass to slot home.
The Super Falcons will now face the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final clash between defending champions South Africa and Senegal in what promises to be another thrilling showdown.
