9-time champions the Super Falcons of Nigeria delivered a commanding efficiency on Friday evening in Casablanca, demolishing Zambia 5–0 of their 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-final conflict to e-book a spot within the semi-finals.
The Tremendous Falcons, hungry and relentless, blew away the Copper Queens with tempo, precision, and function, stamping their authority early and by no means letting up.
It was a efficiency that surprised many throughout the continent, particularly contemplating Zambia’s beforehand unbeaten run within the match.
Veteran defender Osinachi Ohale opened the scoring for Nigeria simply 100 seconds into the match, rising above the Zambian defence to nod dwelling Esther Okoronkwo’s free-kick.
Nigeria pressed excessive, received battles in midfield, and dominated the flanks, giving Zambia no respiration house. Although the Zambians had a few makes an attempt within the twenty first and thirtieth minutes, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and her well-drilled backline shut the door with ease.
The Tremendous Falcons doubled their lead within the thirty third minute with a sweeping transfer: Echegini received the ball in midfield and fed Ashleigh Plumptre, who arrange Ajibade. The skipper floated in a well-measured go which Okoronkwo chested down and smashed into the far nook, a cultured end.
Nigeria made it 3–0 simply earlier than halftime. An extended clearance by Nnadozie was misjudged by the Zambian defence, permitting Chinwendu Ihezuo to faucet the ball inside the online.
Within the second half, the Tremendous Falcons remained in management, neutralising Zambia’s hazard duo of Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji with ease.
Tosin Demehin made it 4 with a thumping header from a set-piece, earlier than debutant Folasade Ijamilusi capped a dream begin with Nigeria’s fifth, latching onto Ajibade’s defence-splitting go to fit dwelling.
The Tremendous Falcons will now face the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final conflict between defending champions South Africa and Senegal in what guarantees to be one other thrilling showdown.
