Wafcon Nigeria 5 Zambia 0: Five observations from Super Falcons' statement win v Copper Queens

Nigeria cruised to a comfortable 5-0 victory over Zambia to advance to the semifinals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

Osinachi Ohale, Esther Okonkwo, and Chinwendu Ihezuo found the net in the first half to give the Super Falcons a commanding 3-0 lead at the break, before Folashade Ijamilusi and Oluwatosin Demehin added two more in the second half to complete the rout.

Allnigeriasoccer.com presents the five observations from the game.

Madugu tactical masterclass

Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu delivered a tactical masterclass against Zambia, making bold decisions that paid off handsomely, including leaving out some of the team's biggest names, such as Asisat Oshoala.

Madugu made four alterations to the starting lineup that featured in the first two group stage matches, dropping Oshoala, Deborah Abiodun, Rinsola Babajide, and Toni Payne.

In their place, he introduced Esther Okonkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Jennifer Echegini, and Folashade Ijamilusi.

The changes proved decisive, with Okoronnkwo and Ihezuo directly contributing to two of Nigeria’s three first-half goals. 

The new lineup also brought added intensity, physicality, and a high pressing game—factors that overwhelmed the Zambian side, particularly in defense.

Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji were silenced

The duo of Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji had been the major talking point ahead of the match, thanks to their impressive attacking displays and goal-scoring form during the group stage.

Both players entered the clash with three goals each and ranked among the tournament’s top scorers.

However, they struggled to make an impact against Nigeria on Friday, as the Super Falcons' defense effectively neutralized their threat and kept them largely quiet throughout the game.

Esther Okonkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo justify starting roles

Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo made the most of their starting opportunities, vindicating coach Justin Madugu’s decision to select them ahead of Rinsola Babajide and Asisat Oshoala.

Babajide and Oshoala had started the first two group stage matches, while Okonkwo and Ihezuo made their early tournament contributions from the bench.

Although both started the final group game against Algeria, many expected them to return to the bench for the high-stakes clash against Zambia.

However, given the nod to start, the duo rose to the occasion. Okoronkwo scored a goal and provided an assist, while Ihezuo netted her third goal of the tournament.

Zambia struggles with aerial duels

Zambia's weakness in defending aerial balls proved costly as Nigeria clinched a crucial victory to advance to the semifinals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The Super Falcons capitalized on Zambia’s struggles in aerial duels throughout the match, with their dominance clearly reflected in the first half, where they scored twice by exploiting this vulnerability.

First goals for Demehin and Ijamilusi

Oluwatosin Demehin and Folashade Ijamilusi netted their first goals for Nigeria in the commanding victory.

Demehin scored the fourth with a well-timed header from a Rasheedat Ajibade cross, while Ijamilusi sealed the win with a close-range tap-in late in the game.

Adeyemi Adewale

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