By: Oluwatobi Aroyehun
The Super Falcons of Nigeria delivered a masterclass on Friday, July 18, 2025, as they crushed Zambia’s Copper Queens 5-0 in a thrilling Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter final at Stade Larbi Zaouli.
Goals from Osinachi Ohale, Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Folashade Ijamilusi, propelled Nigeria into their record 13th semi final appearance in the tournament.
The nine-time champions were determined to erase the memory of their 1-0 loss to Zambia in the 2022 WAFCON third place match. They wasted no time, striking just two minutes in when Osinachi Ohale rose to head home a accurate cross, igniting the crowd and setting the tone for Nigeria’s dominance.
Zambia, led by the 2024 African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Barbara Banda, fought back with flashes of attacking flair. But the Super Falcons stood firm, doubling their lead in the 26th minute through Esther Okoronkwo, who controlled the ball beautifully before firing a stunning half-volley past Zambia’s goalkeeper, Ngambo Musole. Just before halftime, Chinwendu Ihezuo made it 3-0, shrugging off a defender to slot the ball neatly into the bottom corner.
The second half saw Nigeria pick up where they left off, with sharp passing and relentless pressure. Musole kept Zambia in the game with several fine saves, but she couldn’t stop Oluwatosin Demehin, who powered in a close-range header in the 68th minute to make it 4-0. Coach Justin Madugu injected fresh energy with substitutions, bringing on Asisat Oshoala and Christy Ucheibe for Okoronkwo and Halimatu Ayinde, a move that kept Nigeria’s momentum rolling.
The final nail in the coffin came in stoppage time when captain Rasheedat Ajibade delivered a perfect cross to Folashade Ijamilusi, who tapped in at the near post to seal the 5-0 rout. The victory marked Nigeria’s fourth consecutive clean sheet in the 2024 WAFCON, showcasing their defensive steel and attacking prowess.
