WAFCON 2025: Super Falcons crush Zambia 5–0 to book semifinal spot

Nigeria’s Super Falcons stormed into the semi-finals of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a commanding 5–0 win over Zambia’s Copper Queens.

The nine-time champions made an explosive start at the Stade de la Paix, Bouaké, as defender Osinachi Ohale opened the scoring in the second minute, heading in a precise cross from Esther Okoronkwo.

Zambia responded with a spirited performance, led by captain Barbara Banda, but Nigeria soon reasserted control. In the 33rd minute, Okoronkwo turned scorer, expertly finishing off a delivery from Rasheedat Ajibade to double the lead.

Chiwendu Ihezuo pounced on a defensive error just before half-time to make it 3–0 her third goal of the tournament strengthening her bid for the Golden Boot.

Despite a brief resurgence from Zambia after the break, the Super Falcons remained dominant. Defender Tosin Demehin added a fourth goal in the 68th minute, converting another pinpoint cross from Okoronkwo.

Folashade Ijamilusi capped off the rout in the 90th minute, firing home from an Ajibade assist.

With the emphatic win, Justine Madugu’s team advances to the semi-finals, where they will face the winner of the South Africa vs Senegal quarterfinal match on Tuesday.