Nigeria’s Super Falcons stormed into the semi-finals of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a commanding 5–0 win over Zambia in Casablanca on Friday.
The nine-time champions produced their most dominant display yet at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, maintaining their perfect defensive record while delivering a ruthless attacking performance to send a strong message to their title rivals.
The tone was set early when Osinachi Ohale opened the scoring just two minutes in, heading in Esther Okoronkwo’s well-placed free-kick. The early strike rattled the Zambians and set Nigeria on course for a comfortable evening.
In the 33rd minute, Okoronkwo turned scorer, finishing off a sweeping move with a composed strike to double Nigeria’s lead. The Copper Queens struggled to contain the Super Falcons’ pace and power, and just before the break, Chinwendu Ihezuo capitalised on a loose ball to make it 3–0.
Zambia’s much-talked-about strike force, led by captain Barbra Banda and Grace Chanda, failed to find rhythm, with the Nigerian defence, marshalled by Ashleigh Plumptre, keeping them quiet throughout the match.
In the second half, the Falcons picked up where they left off. Oluwatosin Demehin added a fourth in the 68th minute, nodding in from close range after another well-delivered set-piece unsettled the Zambian defence.
Substitute Folashade Ijamilusi sealed the emphatic win in stoppage time, tapping in from a Rasheedat Ajibade assist to cap off a five-star performance.
Despite entering the tournament with high hopes, Zambia were outclassed on the night and exit at the quarter-final stage, a step short of their 2022 bronze finish.
For Nigeria, the win not only extends their unbeaten run in the tournament but also sends them into the semi-finals full of belief as they chase a record-extending 10th continental title.
