Five-Star Super Falcons Crush, Melt Copper Queens to Reach WAFCON Semi-Final

Nigeria stormed into the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a dominant 5-0 victory over Zambia on Friday in Casablanca.

Touted as potential challengers to the title, the Copper Queens were completely overwhelmed as the Super Falcons delivered a ruthless display of strength, skill, and clinical finishing.

The Super Falcons wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Osinachi Ohale heading home unmarked from a free-kick just two minutes in, leaving Zambia’s goalkeeper Petronella Musole with no chance.

Zambia nearly equalized on the half-hour mark, but Grace Chanda failed to convert a golden opportunity. Moments later, Esther Okoronkwo punished the miss with a precise finish to double Nigeria’s advantage.

Just before halftime, Chinwendu Ihezuo capitalized on a defensive mix-up to calmly slot in Nigeria’s third goal, effectively putting the game out of Zambia’s reach.

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The second half saw more of the same from Nigeria. Oluwatosin Demehin added a fourth with another header from a set-piece, and substitute Folashade Ijamilusi sealed the statement win with a late goal in stoppage time.

Zambia, who defeated Nigeria for third place at the 2022 edition, were left frustrated as star forwards Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji were shut down completely, failing to register a single shot on target.

With this emphatic win, Nigeria not only advanced to the semi-finals but also maintained their record as the only team yet to concede at the tournament. The Super Falcons will face either South Africa or Senegal in Tuesday’s semi-final at 16:00 GMT.