When Osinachi Ohale, defender for Super Falcons nodded a header in the second minute, the Zambia women's national team knew they were in for a storm. The drama unfolded at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter‑finalLarbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca, where Nigeria’s Super Falcons eventually ran away with a 5‑0 victory, keeping a perfect defensive record and booking a place in the semifinals.
Background: How Nigeria Reached the Quarter‑Final
The road to Casablanca began in Group B, where the Super Falcons topped the pool with seven points. A 3‑0 thrashing of Tunisia on 5 July set the tone, followed by a gritty 1‑0 win over Botswana three days later. The final group match, a 0‑0 stalemate against Algeria on 11 July, was enough to keep the clean‑sheet streak alive. Justin Madugu, the team’s head coach, praised the squad’s discipline after the group stage, noting that “conceding zero goals is a testament to our collective focus.”
Across the Sahara, Zambia’s women’s side had also impressed, unbeaten in their group and eager to prove they could challenge the continent’s traditional powerhouses. Their quarter‑final clash was billed as a showdown between the “veteran giants” and the “rising force.”
Match Summary: Five Goals and No Replies
From the kickoff, the Super Falcons smelled blood. Ohale’s header in the 2nd minute gave Nigeria the early lead. Then, Esther Okoronkwo doubled the advantage in the 23rd minute with a low finish from inside the box. The rhythm didn’t stop; Chinwendu Ihezuo made it 3‑0 just before halftime, tapping in a slick counter‑attack.
The second half was a parade. Mid‑fielder Oluwatosin Demehin added her name to the scoresheet in the 58th minute, striking from a corner that curled past the Zambian keeper. Finally, forward Folashade Ijamilusi sealed the rout in the 81st minute, rounding off a five‑goal blitz that left the stadium buzzing.
Throughout, the Zambian defense was left chasing shadows. The only bright spot came from a late attempt that rattled the crossbar, but the Super Falcons’ goalkeeper and backline remained untroubled, extending the clean‑sheet run to five matches.
Player Performances and Voices From the Pitch
Beyond the goals, several individual stories emerged. Ohale, who scored her first tournament goal, said after the match, “I’m just happy to help the team start strong; the credit belongs to everyone.” Okoronkwo, the tournament’s leading scorer, reflected on the team’s chemistry: “We train together, we eat together, we win together. That unity shows on the field.”
Defender Plumptre, who earned a place in the tournament’s Best XI after the group stage, admitted she was “surprised to be recognized” and stressed that the accolade belongs to the squad as a whole. “Every clean sheet is a group effort,” she added.
Coach Madugu, meanwhile, remained measured. “Our preparations have been good. As usual, we were aware of the game tomorrow – a quarter‑final against Zambia. The girls executed the game plan perfectly, and the result speaks for itself,” he told reporters in the locker room.
Tactical Analysis: Why Nigeria Dominated
Madugu’s tactical blueprint centered on compact defending, quick transitions, and exploiting set‑pieces. By pressing high in the first 15 minutes, the Super Falcons forced Zambia into hurried clearances, which led directly to Ohale’s opening header. The midfield’s ability to recycle possession kept the Zambian backline stretched, creating space for the forwards.
Set‑piece routines were clearly rehearsed. Both the 23rd‑minute strike from Okoronkwo and the 58th‑minute finish from Demehin came from dead‑ball situations, underscoring Nigeria’s dedication to practicing corners and free‑kicks.
Defensively, the pairing of Ohale and Plumptre formed a wall that denied any clear‑cut chances. The goalkeeper, though not named in official reports, made three routine saves, ensuring the clean‑sheet record remained intact.
Implications: What This Means for the Rest of WAFCON
With a five‑goal cushion, the Super Falcons now sit as the clear favorites for the title. Their unbeaten run (seven matches) and flawless defensive record set a high bar for any opponent. The next challenge? A semifinal against either South Africa or Cameroon, both of whom have also shown attacking flair.
For Zambia, the loss is a bitter pill, but the experience gained will be invaluable. Their rise over the past two tournaments signals a shift in African women’s football, where more nations are closing the gap with long‑standing powerhouses.
On a broader scale, the match highlighted the growing popularity of women’s football across the continent. Attendance at Larbi Zaouli Stadium hit a near‑capacity 45,000, and TV viewership numbers in Nigeria spiked by 32 % compared with the group stage, according to a report from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Looking Ahead: The Road to a Tenth Title
As the Super Falcons set their sights on a historic tenth WAFCON crown, the focus will shift to sustaining the defensive discipline that has defined their campaign while maintaining the clinical edge that produced five goals in a single match.
Madugu’s squad will likely stick with the same back‑four, keeping the chemistry that has helped them shut out opponents. Off the field, the Nigerian Football Federation is already planning a celebratory tour for the players, hoping to inspire the next generation of girls across the nation.
- Match date: 19 July 2024
- Venue: Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca, Morocco
- Score: Nigeria 5 – 0 Zambia
- Goal scorers: Osinachi Ohale, Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Oluwatosin Demehin, Folashade Ijamilusi
- Clean‑sheet streak: 5 matches (all tournament)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Nigeria’s clean‑sheet record affect their semifinal prospects?
A flawless defensive run gives the Super Falcons confidence and forces opponents to play more aggressively, creating openings for counter‑attacks. Historically, teams that keep clean sheets deep into knockout stages tend to progress further, as they can absorb pressure and strike when opportunities arise.
Who were the standout players for Nigeria in the quarter‑final?
Osinachi Ohale opened scoring, while Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo added two more goals before halftime. Mid‑fielder Oluwatosin Demehin and forward Folashade Ijamilusi completed the tally, showcasing depth across the front line. Defensively, Plumptre anchored the back‑four and contributed to the clean sheet.
What does this victory mean for the growth of women’s football in Africa?
The emphatic win draws attention to the competitive standard of African women’s football, encouraging sponsors and broadcasters to invest more. CAF reports a 25 % rise in youth registration for women’s leagues across the continent after recent WAFCON matches, suggesting the tournament’s influence extends beyond the pitch.
When and where is Nigeria’s next match?
The semifinal is scheduled for 23 July 2024 at the same venue, Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. Nigeria will face the winner of the South Africa‑Cameroon quarter‑final, a match expected to be tightly contested.
How did the Zambian team respond after the loss?
Zambia’s coach acknowledged the gap in experience but praised his squad’s resilience: “We gave everything, and the lesson will make us stronger for future tournaments.” The team plans a post‑tournament analysis to address tactical shortcomings.
Tanvi Shrivastav
October 12, 2025 AT 23:13Wow, another glorious chapter in the Super Falcons saga, huh? 5‑0? Hardly a surprise for those who actually watch the game. I guess some teams just prefer collecting participation ribbons. Anyway, good luck to the next opponents, they'll need more than a prayer :)