THE Super Falcons of Nigeria humbled Zambia today with a ruthless display at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), trouncing them 5-0 in Casablanca, Morocco.
The one-sided quarter-final rout means the nine-time African champions have never failed to reach the last-four stage in the 13 editions of the continental championship.
After scoring just one goal in their previous two matches in Morocco against Botswana and Algeria, the Super Falcons rediscovered their lethal ability in front of goal and were 3-0 up at half-time.
Centre-back Osinachi Ohale, forwards Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo, as well as defender Tosin Demehin and Folashade Ijamilusi scored all the goals to stun the Copper Queens, who talked tough in the run-up to the clash, hoping for a repeat of their 1-0 win in the third-place match three years ago.
The Super Falcons were quick off the blocks, with Ohale firing them ahead just two minutes in.
There was a lull after then as the Super Falcons sought to hold on to their lead against the previously prolific Zambians, who had scored six goals in the group stages.
However, with 12 minutes left to end the half, the always impressive Okoronkwo struck to give the Super Falcons some breathing room.
The forward, who was one of the players brought in as head coach Justine Madugu dropped superstar Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide and Toni Payne, brilliantly chested down a long ball over the top and slotted home.
Ihezuo joined the party with her third goal of the tournament in first-half added time, shrugging off a Zambia defender’s challenge to score.
Demehin headed home from yet another set-piece the Copper Queens could not deal with, and Ijamilusi netted her first-ever WAFCON goal with one minute left on the clock, tapping home Rasheedat Ajibade’s low cross at the far post.
The Super Falcons are scheduled to face South Africa or Senegal in the semi-finals on Tuesday.