Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered a ruthless performance in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), demolishing Zambia 5–0 at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. The emphatic result booked the nine-time champions a place in the semi-finals and reaffirmed their dominance on the African stage as they aim for a record-extending 10th title.
It took the Falcons less than two minutes to find the breakthrough. Defender Osinachi Ohale rose highest to head home a pinpoint delivery from Esther Okoronkwo, putting Nigeria ahead just 82 seconds into the match. That early strike set the tone for a dominant first half. Okoronkwo, handed her first start of the tournament, made her presence felt again in the 33rd minute, expertly controlling a pass with her chest, turning swiftly, and firing into the bottom corner to double the lead. Just before halftime, Chinwendu Ihezuo pounced on a long ball from goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, brushing aside her marker before calmly slotting in the third to all but seal the contest before the interval.
Zambia, who had looked dangerous in the group stage with star forwards Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji combining for six goals, struggled to get going. Nigeria’s backline neutralized their threat completely, with the Copper Queens failing to record a single shot on target. Their only real chance came in the first half when Banda squared for Grace Chanda, whose effort went wide under pressure.
After the break, Nigeria showed no signs of slowing down. Oluwatosin Demehin added a fourth with a powerful header from another set-piece delivery by Okoronkwo. The fifth and final goal came deep into stoppage time when substitute Folashade Ijamilusi connected with Rasheedat Ajibade’s low cross, rounding off the demolition job and confirming Nigeria’s biggest win of the tournament.
Head coach Justine Madugu’s tactical reshuffle following a lackluster 0–0 draw against Algeria in their final group game proved to be a masterstroke. With six changes to the starting lineup, including the impactful inclusion of Okoronkwo, the Super Falcons looked revitalized and much sharper in both attack and defense. Their performance was a far cry from the conservative display against Algeria, as they pressed high, controlled possession, and overwhelmed Zambia with clinical precision.
The win not only secured a semi-final berth but also extended Nigeria’s flawless WAFCON record against Zambia to four wins in four meetings. Their previous encounters included a 6–0 win in 2014 and a 4–0 rout in 2018, both en route to lifting the trophy. The Super Falcons will now await the outcome of the clash between South Africa and Senegal to determine their semi-final opponent, with the tie scheduled to be played on Tuesday, again in Casablanca.
For Zambia, the loss marks a disappointing end to what was expected to be a breakthrough tournament. Despite showing promise in recent years, including appearances at the Tokyo Olympics and the 2023 Women’s World Cup, their inability to match Nigeria’s tempo and tactical discipline highlighted the gap that still exists at the top level. The Copper Queens, under coach Nora Hauptle, will now look ahead to regrouping and building toward the 2026 WAFCON.
With their eyes firmly on the prize, the Super Falcons have issued a statement to the rest of the continent. Confident, composed, and clinical, Nigeria’s charge for another WAFCON crown is in full swing.