Nine-time champions Nigeria ran riot on Friday in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarterfinals, thrashing the Copper Queens 5-0 to send them crashing out of the competition.
Nigeria opened the scoring in the very first minute through Osinachi Ohale, setting the tone for a dominant performance.
The Super Falcons’ fast start gave them clear control of the game, with Zambia’s defense looking disjointed and overwhelmed.
Esther Okoronkwo doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 33rd minute, and Chinwendu Ihezuo added a third just 11 minutes later, sending the Super Falcons into halftime with a comfortable 3-0 advantage.
In the second half, Zambia coach Nora Häuptle made tactical substitutions, bringing on Fridah Mukoma, Mercy Chipasula, and Martha Tembo for Rachel Nachula, Prisca Chilufya, and Mapalo Maluba.
However, the changes made little impact as Nigeria continued to look threatening with every attack. Oluwatosin Demehin scored the fourth goal in the 68th minute.
Margret Belemu was later replaced by Memory Nthala in an attempt to stabilize the defense, but a tactical masterclass by Nigeria’s coach Justin Madugu saw the game slip further away from the Copper Queens. He introduced Asisat Oshoala, Christy Ucheibe, and Deborah Abiodun for Okoronkwo, Jennifer Echegini, and Halimatu Ayinde.
Nigeria capped off their dominant display with a fifth goal as Folashade Ijamilusi tapped home from a Rasheedat Ajibade assist.
The Super Falcons, who have never been eliminated in the quarterfinals, are now just two wins away from claiming a record-extending tenth WAFCON title. They will face the winner of the match between South Africa and Senegal in the semifinals.
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