Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered a resounding statement of intent at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, demolishing Zambia 5-0 in Friday’s quarterfinal at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca. The emphatic win not only silenced pre-match doubts but also reaffirmed Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football as they stormed into the semifinals.
Going into the match, questions loomed over the Falcons’ form. Despite finishing top of their group with seven points, their performances lacked conviction — a dominant 3-0 win against Tunisia was followed by a narrow 1-0 victory over Botswana and a tepid goalless draw against Algeria. In contrast, Zambia had also picked up seven points in a tougher group that included hosts Morocco and Senegal, and boasted a fearsome attacking duo in reigning African Women’s Player of the Year Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, each with three goals.
With the painful memory of their 1-0 defeat to Zambia in the 2022 third-place playoff still fresh, Nigeria approached the quarterfinal with something to prove. And within just one minute, they showed their intent. Defender Osinachi Ohale opened the scoring with a powerful header from Esther Okoronkwo’s lofted free kick, catching the Zambian defence flat-footed and goalkeeper Ngambo Musole rooted to the spot.
Zambia struggled to find rhythm as Nigeria’s high press and intelligent wing play exposed their fragile backline. The decision to start Maggie Belemu over the more physical Martha Tembo at left-back backfired, as Belemu was overwhelmed by Nigeria’s pace and strength, particularly from the enterprising Folashade Ijamilusi and overlapping full-back Michelle Alozie.
Despite efforts to settle into the game, Zambia’s attacks were repeatedly stifled by the composed Nigerian defence, led by Ohale and Oluwatosin Demehin. Banda’s frustration grew as she was left isolated up front, while Kundananji dropped deeper in search of space, only to be met with tightly marked resistance.
In the 28th minute, Nigeria doubled their lead. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade whipped in a dangerous cross that the Zambian defenders failed to clear, allowing Okoronkwo — one of Nigeria’s standout performers in the tournament — to finish calmly.
Just before halftime, Nigeria effectively sealed the match. A long ball forward found Chimwendu Ihezuo, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to fire home the third. It was a punishing display of clinical finishing and exposed Zambia’s defensive vulnerabilities.
The second half saw more of the same. Zambia’s attempts to play from the back only invited pressure, and their celebrated front line continued to be neutralised. In the 68th minute, Demehin added a fourth with a back-post header from another Okoronkwo set-piece. Substitute Asisat Oshoala, though not on the scoresheet, injected pace and nearly grabbed a goal of her own late on.
Ijamilusi rounded off the thrashing in stoppage time, tapping in Ajibade’s cross to make it five. The goal was a reward for her relentless energy and attacking movement throughout the game.
Ahead of the match, defender Ashleigh Plumptre had remarked, “We don’t prepare for two players, we prepare for Zambia as a whole.” That tactical approach paid off handsomely as Nigeria’s cohesive team effort dismantled Zambia’s famed individual brilliance.
With this commanding victory, Nigeria not only avenged their 2022 defeat but also booked a semifinal spot against either South Africa or Senegal. Their defensive solidity remains unbroken — they have yet to concede a goal in the tournament — and their attack has found rhythm at the perfect time.
From pre-match doubts to post-match dominance, the Super Falcons have made one thing clear: they are still the team to beat in African women’s football.
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