BY TONY UDOKA
The Super Falcons of Nigeria delivered a five-star performance on Friday night in Casablanca, crushing Zambia 5-0 to seal their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). It was a devastating show of strength and experience, a warning shot to the rest of the continent, and a harsh lesson for a Zambian side that had looked promising, until they ran into Nigeria.
From the first whistle, Nigeria meant business. Towering centre-back Osinachi Ohale opened the floodgates just 100 seconds in, nodding home a perfectly delivered free-kick from Esther Okoronkwo. The Super Falcons erupted in celebration and didn’t look back.
They pressed high, fought hard, and dominated possession. And when Zambia threatened briefly in the 21st and 30th minutes, Chiamaka Nnadozie and her rock-solid defence stood tall, keeping the sheet clean.
Midfielder Jennifer Echegini was a force in the engine room, working in sync with Halimatu Ayinde and the lively Okoronkwo. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade marshalled the team like a general, with forwards Chinwendu Ihezuo and debutant Folasade Ijamilusi constantly harassing Zambia’s backline.
In the 33rd minute, Nigeria doubled their lead in style. Echegini won the ball in midfield and fed Ashleigh Plumptre, who found Ajibade. The captain floated in a beauty, and Okoronkwo, with expert control and composure, chested it down and buried it in the far corner.
It was 3-0 before the break. A long clearance from Nnadozie was misjudged by a Zambian defender, and Ihezuo pounced, driving forward with purpose before picking her spot and finishing coolly.
Zambia’s famed attacking duo of Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji were silenced throughout the second half, as Nigeria shut down every spark of resistance. Instead, the Falcons added two more: Tosin Demehin rose to head in a set piece from the right, and Ijamilusi capped her impressive debut by finishing off a slick pass from Ajibade.
The emphatic result reminded Africa that while the continent is evolving in women’s football, Nigeria’s throne is still very much occupied. Zambia, for all their flair and ambition, were exposed, still not quite ready for the top table.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade was deservedly named Woman of the Match, after orchestrating the rout with calm authority and relentless energy.
Next up, Nigeria will face the winner of the quarter-final clash between defending champions South Africa and Senegal. If Friday night was any indication, the Super Falcons aren’t just aiming to reclaim their crown and they’re daring anyone to try and stop them.