Super Falcons Thrash Zambia 5–0 to Book WAFCON Semi-Final Spot, Target Historic 10th Title
🗓️ 17 July 2025
🖋️ Byline: IDNN Women’s Football Desk
Casablanca, Morocco – Nine-time champions Nigeria underlined their continental dominance with a blistering 5–0 victory over Zambia in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), moving one step closer to a record-extending 10th title.
The commanding performance, held at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, saw five different Nigerian players get on the scoresheet, as the Super Falcons overwhelmed the Copper Queens in every department of the pitch.
“This was a statement win,” said head coach Justine Madugu.
“We respected Zambia, but we came here to dominate.”
Early Strike Sets the Tone
It took just 2 minutes for Nigeria to break the deadlock. Osinachi Ohale rose highest in the box to meet Esther Okoronkwo’s perfectly delivered free-kick, heading past a rooted Petronella Musole to hand Nigeria a dream start.
Okoronkwo would turn scorer in the 33rd minute, capping off a slick attacking sequence with a low strike into the far corner to make it 2–0.
Ihezuo, Demehin, and Ijamilusi Join the Party
Zambia’s resolve crumbled before halftime. In the 41st minute, Chinwendu Ihezuo pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area to slot home Nigeria’s third, all but sealing the contest before the break.
The second half saw continued pressure, with Oluwatosin Demehin powering in a header from a corner in the 68th minute to make it 4–0.
Substitute Folashade Ijamilusi then put the icing on the cake, converting a late assist from Rasheedat Ajibade in stoppage time to complete the 5-goal rout.
Defensive Discipline, Ruthless Attack
While the spotlight shone on Nigeria’s attacking depth, the defensive unit was equally impressive. Barbra Banda, Zambia’s reigning African Player of the Year, was effectively neutralised by Nigeria’s backline, with Ohale and Demehin anchoring a flawless defensive display.
“Our structure was solid. We had answers to every threat,” Madugu added.
Road to the Final: Nigeria to Face South Africa or Senegal
With this result, Nigeria books a place in the WAFCON semi-finals and now awaits the winner of the South Africa vs Senegal quarter-final clash.
A potential rematch with South Africa’s Banyana Banyana looms — a rivalry that has defined recent editions of the competition.
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