There are matches that deliver a win. Then there are performances that announce a statement.
What Nigeria did to Zambia in Casablanca was the latter: a ruthless, tactically coherent, emotionally charged 5-0 hammering that roared louder than words.
The Super Falcons, who had stumbled through the group phase with functional but uninspiring displays, clicked into something more: rhythm, swagger, goals.
This was Nigeria at their best and, for Zambia, the payback was painfully comprehensive.
Here are seven things we learnt from the Super Falcons’ emphatic victory over the Copper Queens at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
1. Madugu got his selection spot-on
After a group stage campaign that felt a little like driving with the handbrake on, head coach Justin Madugu released the pressure.
Out went the stale front three. In came pace, hunger, and football sense: Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Folashade Ijamilusi. All three scored. You could see the freshness. You could feel the difference. It was bold. It worked. It must continue.
2. Okoronkwo is Nigeria’s MVP. No debate
What a revelation. In her first WAFCON start, Okoronkwo scored one, assisted two, and generally tormented the Zambian defence with her movement, awareness and dead-ball delivery.
It’s almost criminal she didn’t make the starting lineup during the group stage. With four assists and a goal in Morocco, she’s now central to everything good in Nigeria’s attack.
3. Zambia still can’t score against Nigeria
In four WAFCON meetings, Zambia are yet to find the net past a Nigerian player.
Their only goal in this fixture’s history came via Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie’s own goal in 2022.
Once again, despite their attacking firepower, Zambia didn’t land a single shot on target. Demehin, Ohale and Nnadozie? Ice-cold defence.
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4. Nigeria love the final four
This is Nigeria’s 13th consecutive WAFCON semifinal appearance. The Super Falcons have never failed to make it to the last four since the tournament’s inception.
That consistency is not just about talent, it’s about identity, pride, and elite tournament experience.
5. Ajibade and Ayinde bossed the midfield
It wasn’t just goals that made this performance shine.
Nigeria’s midfield trio of Ayinde, Ajibade and Echegini were everything you want: calm in possession, progressive with their passes, and intelligent off the ball.
Football can be brutally simple sometimes when you get the middle right, everything else falls into place.
6. Farewell, Oshoala?
Let’s face it. Asisat Oshoala will go down as one of the greatest African players ever. But time waits for no one.
Oshoala came on late, couldn’t influence the tempo, and looks increasingly like a player whose brain still sees the space, but whose body won’t carry her into it. No shame in that. But maybe the curtain is calling.
7. South Africa or Senegal next
Whoever wins the South Africa vs Senegal clash will face a Super Falcons side now brimming with confidence.
Madugu’s team have found their flow. With the midfield clicking and new attackers flying, Nigeria are now firm contenders again. Morocco beware: the queens are stirring.