Super Falcons crush Zambia to reach WAFCON semi-final

DDM News

The Nigerian women’s national football team, popularly known as the Super Falcons, recorded a resounding 5-0 victory over Zambia on Friday, July 18, 2025, in the quarter-final stage of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the encounter, which took place at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Abidjan, saw the Nigerian side assert complete dominance from kickoff to the final whistle.

Nigeria, a formidable force in African women’s football with nine WAFCON titles to their name, came into the match with high expectations as they continue their quest for a historic tenth championship, a mission they have dubbed Mission X.

Zambia, on the other hand, had been touted as one of the dark horses of the tournament, bolstered by the presence of Barbra Banda, the current African Women’s Footballer of the Year.

Pre-match speculations had focused on the anticipated duel between Banda and Nigeria’s star forward Asisat Oshoala, who has won the CAF African Women’s Footballer of the Year six times.

However, those predictions quickly faded as the Super Falcons stamped their authority early in the game.

Nigeria opened scoring just two minutes after kickoff when experienced defender Osinachi Ohale connected with a corner to head the ball into the net, setting the tone for what would become a one-sided affair.

The Falcons continued to dominate possession, breaking down Zambia’s midfield with swift passing and relentless pressing.

In the 33rd minute, Esther Okoronkwo doubled Nigeria’s lead with a well-placed strike.

As halftime approached, Chinwendu Ihezuo added a third goal in the 45th minute by calmly slotting past the Zambian goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation.

With a commanding 3-0 lead at the break, the Super Falcons showed no sign of easing off in the second half.

Tosin Demehin headed home a fourth goal in the 69th minute following a perfectly delivered free-kick from Esther Okoronkwo.

Nigeria’s relentless attack culminated in a fifth and final goal during stoppage time, scored in the 94th minute to seal an emphatic win.

Nigeria’s defense also played a crucial role in the team’s triumph, maintaining a clean sheet throughout the game.

Zambian star Barbra Banda struggled to make an impact, with Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie making several key saves to deny any chance of a consolation goal.

This result officially ended Zambia’s hopes of clinching their maiden WAFCON title, while Nigeria marches on with renewed confidence and momentum.

Coach Justin Madugu made strategic changes in the second half, introducing key players like Asisat Oshoala, Christy Ucheibe, and Deborah Abiodun in place of Okoronkwo, Jennifer Echegini, and Halimatu Ayinde.

Later in the game, Sikiratu Isah also came on to replace goal-scorer Chinwendu Ihezuo.

The Super Falcons have now advanced to the semi-finals of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, reinforcing their position as Africa’s most successful women’s football team.

They remain unbeaten and have yet to concede a single goal in the tournament, further underlining their dominance on the continental stage.

👇👇👇

Follow DDM’s official WhatsApp Channel for real-time updates.

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vajkwdc4dTnFHl19vW3g

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook