{"id":232696,"date":"2025-07-19T07:37:53","date_gmt":"2025-07-19T07:37:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abianewscentral.com.ng\/wafcon-2024-nigeria-trounce-zambia-5-0-soar-into-semi-final\/"},"modified":"2025-07-19T07:37:53","modified_gmt":"2025-07-19T07:37:53","slug":"wafcon-2024-nigeria-trounce-zambia-5-0-soar-into-semi-final","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/abiaradiostations.com.ng\/news\/wafcon-2024-nigeria-trounce-zambia-5-0-soar-into-semi-final\/","title":{"rendered":"WAFCON 2024: Nigeria Trounce Zambia 5-0, Soar Into Semi-Final"},"content":{"rendered":"

WAFCON 2024: Nigeria Trounce Zambia 5-0, Soar Into Semi-Final
\n<\/p>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Nigeria\u2019s Super Falcons proved too much for their opponents, Zambia, in the Women\u2019s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 quarter-final at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, beating the Southern Africans 5-0 on Friday.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Goals from Osinachi Ohale, Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Folashade Ijamilusi were enough to give the Falcons victory and book their semi-final spot in the tournament.<\/p>\n

\n

Some things never change #MissionX<\/a> #SoarSuperFalcons<\/a> #WAFCON2024<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/WWKFNeYYmI<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/RX1XVQVdz5<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) July 18, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Nigeria were hoping to bury the ghosts of the past when they lost to Zambia 0-1 the last time both sides met in the 3rd place match in WAFCON 2022.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

A spark was what the Super Falcons needed, and it came in as early as the second minute, when a cross found Osinachi, who nodded home to give the nine-time WAFCON in green a deserved lead.<\/p>\n

The Zambian side became much active as the match went on, with the 2024 African Women\u2019s Footballer of the Year, Barbara Banda, pulling the strings in attack for her side.<\/p>\n

However, Nigeria doubled their lead in the 26th minute this time courtesy of Okoronkwo, who, after bringing the Ball <\/a>down perfectly, hit a half-volley to beat the Zambian shot stopper, Ngambo Musole<\/p>\n

\n

33\u2019 Nigeria 2-0 Zambia<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the Esther Okoronkwo Show in Casablanca!<\/p>\n

She bags her first of the tournament and our second #MissionX<\/a> #SoarSuperFalcons<\/a> #WAFCON2024<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/BGLx5GcOm0<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) July 18, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Nigeria\u2019s third came in the 45th minute from Chinwendu, who stood off a challenge to perfectly slot the Ball <\/a>into the left-hand side of the goal post.<\/p>\n

The Super Falcons took the 3-0 lead into the second half and resumed where they left off with incisive passes, but were denied by Musole.<\/p>\n

\n

One team. One spirit. #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/FRWh92mvSa<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 CAF Women\u2019s Football (@CAFwomen) July 18, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

However, the persistent pressure from the Super Falcons paid off in the 68th minute, with the goal coming from Demehin, who headed home in close range.<\/p>\n

Coach Justin Madugu made substitutions for the Super Falcons, bringing in Asisat Oshoala and Christy Ucheibe for Okoronkwo and Halimatu.<\/p>\n

\n

Marvelous Ohale. #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/nDWNKUFXE2<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 CAF Women\u2019s Football (@CAFwomen) July 18, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

That move breathed more life into the Nigerian side, and it did not take long before another goal landed for Madugu\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade\u2019s cross found Ijamilusi at the near post, and the player wasted no time in tapping in to give Nigeria a five-goal cushion in the 91st minute.<\/p>\n

Friday\u2019s win means Nigeria have now gone four matches without conceding a single goal in the 2024 WAFCON. It also ensured the Super Falcons\u00a0made it a record 13th semi-final appearance in the competition.<\/p>\n

The Super Falcons are the record winners of the WAFCON, taking home the crown nine times.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n