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In a stunning display of dominance, Nigeria’s Super Falcons thrashed Zambia 5-0 on Friday, July 18, to book their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The quarter-final clash took place at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco, and confirmed Nigeria’s status as the tournament’s team to beat.
The nine-time African champions came into the game unbeaten and unbreached and by the final whistle, they had not only maintained their flawless defensive record but delivered their most clinical attacking performance of the tournament so far.
Early Strike Sets the Tone
Nigeria wasted no time asserting their superiority. Just two minutes into the match, centre-back Osinachi Ohale powered home a header from Esther Okoronkwo’s expertly delivered free kick, sending a clear signal of intent.
“It was important for us to make a statement early,” said head coach Randy Waldrum. “The girls executed the game plan perfectly, and the result speaks for itself.”
By the 33rd minute, the Super Falcons had doubled their lead. Okoronkwo, once again at the heart of the action, finished off a sweeping attacking move with a calm strike into the bottom corner, leaving Zambia scrambling to recover.
Zambia Left Reeling
Zambia, who had impressed in the group stage and were seen as rising contenders, looked overwhelmed. Their star forwards captain Barbra Banda and Grace Chanda struggled to make an impact against a resolute Nigerian defense marshaled by Ashleigh Plumptre.
Before the break, Nigeria struck again. Chinwendu Ihezuo capitalized on a defensive lapse in the Zambian box, slotting in a tidy left-footed finish to make it 3-0 at half-time.
Zambia’s frustration grew as they failed to break Nigeria’s defensive wall. Banda was repeatedly caught offside, while Chanda’s long-range effort in the 51st minute posed no threat to Nigeria’s keeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Ruthless to the Final Whistle
Despite their comfortable lead, Nigeria showed no signs of easing off. In the 68th minute, Oluwatosin Demehin added a fourth, heading in from close range after yet another set-piece caused confusion in Zambia’s area.
The final blow came in stoppage time. Substitute Folashade Ijamilusi finished off a swift counterattack initiated by Rasheedat Ajibade, sealing a five-star performance for the Super Falcons.
“We came here to win and represent Nigeria with pride,” said Ajibade post-match. “Every player gave 100 percent, and this result is for our fans back home.”
Eyes on the 10th Title
With this commanding win, Nigeria moves a step closer to securing a record-extending 10th WAFCON title. The team’s blend of experience, discipline, and attacking flair continues to set them apart as the tournament’s front-runners.
Zambia, meanwhile, exits the tournament at the quarter-final stage, unable to build on their promising 2022 bronze medal finish. The loss highlights the gap that still exists between emerging contenders and Africa’s most decorated women’s football team.
What’s Next?
As Nigeria awaits their semi-final opponent, the message from Casablanca is clear: the Super Falcons are not just chasing history they are rewriting it. With five matches played and zero goals conceded, their quest for continental glory remains firmly on track.
“We’re not done yet,” said Waldrum. “This team is hungry, focused, and ready for whatever comes next.”
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