WAFCON 2024: Nigeria Advances to the Wafcon Semifinals After Defeating Zambia

WAFCON 2024: Nigeria defeated Zambia 5–0 in Casablanca on Friday, July 18, securing their spot in the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2024 football competition.

Expected to present a formidable challenge to the nine-time champions, the Copper Queens were completely overwhelmed by an incredible performance that was highlighted by their clinical finishing.

After Grace Chanda squandered a fantastic opportunity to tie the score at the break, Nigeria extended their lead three minutes later thanks to a brilliant finish from the outstanding Esther Okoronkwo.

With a calm finish just before halftime, Chinwendu Ihezuo took advantage of Zambia’s defensive timidity to put the Super Falcons ahead 3-0.

The Super Falcons, dubbed the “final before the final,” took the lead early on when defender Osinachi Ohale headed in a free kick from Esther Okoronkwo home the second minute.

By precisely completing a fluid team move at the half-hour mark, Okoronkwo doubled the lead. Zambia, who had won bronze in the group round, were left reeling after Chinwendu Ihezuo added a third shortly before halftime.

Throughout the second half, Nigeria continued to dominate. After replacement Folashade Ijamilusi finished the game with a stoppage-time goal to send Barbara Banda and company reeling, Oluwatosin Demehin made it 4–0.

Nigeria, who have yet to give up a goal in this year’s finals, will play Senegal or South Africa, the reigning champions, in the semi-finals on Tuesday at 16:00 GMT.