Nigeria breeze past Zambia to reach 2024 WAFCON semifinals

The Nigeria women’s national football team have secured a slot at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semifinals after dismantling the Copper Queens of Zambia by a 5-0 score in Friday’s quarterfinal at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.

nine-time African champions went into a blistering start as Osinachi Ohale’s header put the Super Falcons in front after just three minutes of play.

Nigeria doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute when a ball from captain Rasheedat Ajibade fell to the feet of Esther Okworonkwo, who wasted no time to strike the ball past Zambia goalkeeper Ngambo Musole.

The white washing continued as a miscommunication at the back in the 45th minute saw Veronica Chinwendu capitalise to extend the lead for the West African side.

Coming into the second half Zambia tried to hold off the attacking power from coach Justin Madugu’s ladies for most of the half. However, in the 68th minute the lead was extended with another brilliant delivery into the box finding Tosin Demehin for a headed goal.

Folashade Ijamilusi then scored her first-ever Super Falcons goal in a competitive game for the Super Falcons. To seal the deal for Nigeria, WAFCON debutant Folashade Ijamilusi tapped in a low cross from Ajibade to add further insult to injury for the dejected Copper Queens.

Nigeria now awaits the winner of Saturday’s quarterfinal clash between defending WAFCON champions South Africa and Senegal, who will face off at the Stade de l’Honneur in Oujda.