adplus-dvertising
Sports

Nigeria 4-0 Zambia: Okoronkwo orcestrates Copper Queens’ meltdown as Super Falcons stroll to WAFCON 24′ semis

3 hours ago
by Obi Donald
20250718 183707

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have sealed their place in the semifinal of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, thanks to a 4-0 thrashing of Zambia at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria resumed WAFCON duties with a game against Zambia in the quarterfinals on Friday.

Both teams finished the group stages with seven points. Albeit, unlike Nigeria who finished first, Zambia were behind Morocco due to an inferior goals difference.

The Copper Queens’ attack looked like fire in their group stage games, with Barbra Banda and Rachel Kundananji all at the top of their games.

Hence, the game against Nigeria was expected to be a tough one. However, Zambia were not prepared for what hit them.

Coach Justin Madugu named a strong lineup for the game, with Folashade Ijamilusi, Esther Okoronkwo, and Chinwendu Ihezuo leading the attack.

Zambia opened up to press the Super Falcons high, but it was apparent that the instruction from Madugu was to play long balls into their final third to neutralize the press.

It took just two minutes for Nigeria to strike, and it was through a set-piece. The Super Falcons won a freekick close to the center of the pitch, which Okoronkwo took charge of.

She sent a long ball into Zambia’s area, which Osinachi Ohale got to before any Zambian player and headed the ball home from close range.

After scoring the early goal, the game balances out, with Zambia pushing for an equalizer. But there was failed to make Chiamaka Nnadozie in Nigeria’s goal work.

The Super Falcons did well to manage the game. And in the 33rd minute, they struck again, courtesy of Okoronkwo.

Nigeria went on a quick counter, with Ajibade using her speed to get past her Zambian markers. She then sent in a cross, which Okoronkwo cushioned with her chest.

It looked like it was a poor control at first, as the Zambian center halves almost got to it and cleared the ball. However, the Changchun Dazhong star quickly regained her composure and struck the ball cleanly to send it to the bottom left corner of ... to make it 2-0.

Then, just before the break, Nigeria struck again. This time, Nnadozie sent a long searching ball from the front of her area. Ihezuo, who was in the final third was being marked by two Zambian defenders. But she capitalized on their mistake, used her body to bully them off the ball, and placed the ball neatly into the net, to give the Super Falcons a healthy three-goal lead.

More to follow….

You may also like