The Super Falcons of Nigeria decimated the Copper Queens of Zambia mercilessly in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Quarter Finals Fixture, sauntering to a record-extending 13th semifinals appearance at the Stade Larbi Zaouli. Unbeaten in the tournament so far, the Nigerian team schooled their opponents expertly with a dominant display of clinical attacking prowess.
The Nigerian team grabbed an early opening goal through defender Osinachi Ohale in the 2nd minute of the game, as she connected perfectly with a beautifully weighted cross from Esther Okoronkwo to open the scoring. The delivery and the execution, perfection at its best. They didn’t have to wait too long for their second as Super Captain Rasheedat Ajibade floated an inswinging cross to Okoronkwo. Controlling it expertly with her chest, she picked her spot and fired the ball into the bottom corner in the 33rd minute, leaving the goalie rooted to the spot for her first goal of the tournament. In a class of her own!
A long ball from Chiamaka Nnadozie caused all sorts of problems in Zambia’s half, and they failed to deal with it properly, allowing Chinwendu Ihezuo to race onto the loose ball. She made no mistakes from close range, powering a left-footed finish beyond the goalkeeper on the stroke of the 45th minute. Her third goal of the tournament! The Nigerians went into the break with a comfortable lead.
Zambia struggled to contain the Nigerian team in dead-ball situations, and it proved to be their undoing as the Falcons grabbed their fourth goal in the 68th minute. Unmarked in acres of space in Zambia’s 18-yard box, Blessing Demehin rose highest to power Okoronkwo’s inch-perfect cross into the back of the net. Another set piece, goal, and pinpoint delivery from Nigeria’s set piece Queen, Esther Okoronkwo.
Folashade Ijamilusi provided the icing on the cake in the game’s closing minutes, applying a finishing touch to guide Ajibade’s pass into the back of the net. Five unanswered goals as The Nigerians totally extinguished their Zambian opponents in Casablanca to advance to the next stage.
Fueled by a fierce determination to silence their doubters and critics and punish their opposition for their pre-match banter, the Super Falcons were highly motivated going into the tie. They put in their best performance of the tournament, effectively silencing Zambia’s deadly duo, African Player of the Year Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji.
The Super Falcons have yet to concede a single goal in this tournament, sweeping all their opponents away with their immaculate brilliance. Another edition, another semifinal appearance. They have a record-extending tenth WAFCON title in their sights, and if they keep up superb attacking masterclasses like this, the tournament is theirs for the taking. They’ll face the reigning Champions, South Africa.
