Nigeria’s Super Falcons sent a strong message to the rest of Africa on Friday night with a resounding 5–0 victory over Zambia in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca.
Displaying a masterclass in strategy and teamwork, the nine-time champions dismantled a previously unbeaten Zambian side with clinical precision, earning a well-deserved ticket to the semi-finals.
The Falcons wasted no time asserting control, with veteran centre-back Osinachi Ohale heading home a pinpoint delivery from Esther Okoronkwo barely two minutes into the game — a goal that set the tone for Nigeria’s dominance.
Coach Randy Waldrum’s side executed a high-pressing game that stifled Zambia’s creativity and kept their attacking threats, Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji, largely anonymous. Nigeria’s midfield trio dictated the pace, while the flanks became constant launchpads for their offensive waves.
Okoronkwo, who had a standout performance, added to her assist with a beautifully taken goal in the 33rd minute, finishing off a fluid sequence that began with Christy Ucheibe’s midfield interception and saw captain Rasheedat Ajibade provide the decisive final pass.
Nigeria went into halftime with a commanding 3–0 lead after Chinwendu Ihezuo pounced on a defensive mix-up to slot home from a long clearance by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
In the second half, the West Africans showed no signs of slowing down. Defender Tosin Demehin added her name to the scoresheet with a powerful header from a well-delivered corner, while newcomer Folasade Ijamilusi completed the rout with a composed finish after being played through by Ajibade.
The clean sheet was as significant as the goals, with Nnadozie marshalling her defence expertly to repel Zambia’s few attacking threats.
With this emphatic win, the Super Falcons move into the semi-finals where they will meet the winner of Saturday’s encounter between defending champions South Africa and the ever-resilient Senegalese side.
Nigeria’s intent is clear: reclaim the continental crown and cement their dominance in African women’s football.
