The Super Falcons of Nigeria produced a statement performance in the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, dispatching Copper Queens of Zambia with a resounding 5–0 victory at the Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
It wasn’t just about the scoreline , it was the manner of the victory. From first whistle to last, Coach Justin Madugu’s side controlled the contest, blending tactical intelligence with fluid, confident football. This was Nigeria’s most dominant display at the tournament, and a clear message to their rivals.
Here’s how the Super Falcons delivered their finest showing yet:
1. Nigeria’s Game Plan: Compact, Pressing, and Clinical
Coach Madugu set up his side to control the midfield and disrupt Zambia’s rhythm. Nigeria squeezed the central spaces, with midfielders Ayinde, Ajibade, and Echegini pressing intelligently and recovering possession quickly.
Wingers dropped deep when necessary, full-backs stayed tight, and off the ball, the team operated with discipline cutting off supply lines and forcing Zambia into rushed transitions.
Osinachi Ohale celebrating Super Falcons first goal against Zambia in 2024 Wafcon quarter finals. Photo Credit: Justina Aniefiok
The reward came instantly. Within two minutes, Osinachi Ohale rose highest from a free kick to head Nigeria in front, the first of many goals that exposed Zambia’s defensive frailties.
2. Multi-Layered Attack: Five Goals, Five Scorers
The Super Falcons’ attack clicked beautifully, and the distribution of goals told the story:
- Ohale (defender)
- Okoronkwo (midfielder)
- Ihezuo (striker)
- Demehin (defender)
- Ijamilusi (midfielder)
This spread highlights Nigeria’s tactical unpredictability. Whether through set-pieces, wide combinations, or central penetrations, the Falcons proved they can hurt teams from all angles.
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Crucially, Ajibade and Ayinde ran the midfield, Ajibade delivering two assists and earning Woman of the Match honours. Their composure and movement set the tempo throughout.
Esther Okoronkwo celebrating Super Falcons 2nd goal against Zambia in 2024 Wafcon quarter finals. Photo Credit: Justina Aniefiok
Stat: Esther Okoronkwo now leads the assist charts at WAFCON 2025 with 4 assists in 4 matches.
3. Defensive Solidity: Four Games, Four Clean Sheets
Despite Zambia’s attacking pedigree, Nigeria gave them no room to breathe. The backline led by Ohale and Demehin was assured, aggressive, and composed. The full-backs maintained shape, while the midfield offered consistent cover.
Tosin Demehin celebrating Super Falcons 4th goal against Zambia in 2024 Wafcon quarter finals. Photo Credit: Justina Aniefiok
Chiamaka Nnadozie had another quiet night in goal, a testament to the team’s defensive work as a unit.
Nigeria have now kept four clean sheets in four matches their best streak at WAFCON since 1998, when they went five games without conceding.
4. Impactful Substitutions Maintained Pressure
Madugu’s game management was spot on. With Zambia looking to push forward in the second half, the introduction of players like Asisat Oshoala, Sikiratu Isah, and Christy Ucheibe kept Nigeria fresh and sharp.
Super Falcons. Photo Credit: Justina Aniefiok
Instead of sitting back, the Falcons kept pressing and Ijamilusi sealed the win with a cool finish in stoppage time, her first Wafcon goal.
This level of sustained pressure, even from the bench, reflects both planning and belief.
5. Rotational Strength: Nigeria’s Depth Makes the Difference
Perhaps most impressively, Okoronkwo, Ihezuo, and Ijamilusi not regular starters during the group stage were all on the scoresheet in this intense match.
Okoronkwo was exceptional yet again, adding a goal and 2 assist to her tournament tally and taking her total to 1 goal and 4 assists in 4 appearances the most assists by any player so far.
Nigeria’s ability to rotate without losing fluency or intensity is a critical advantage heading into the final four.
Final Word: Super Falcons Soar into Semis with Momentum and Purpose
Nine goals scored. Zero conceded. Five different scorers. A bench delivering as much as the starters. This isn’t just form, this is a formula.
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Coach Justin Madugu’s Super Falcons are showing cohesion, confidence, and tactical flexibility at just the right time. If there were questions before about Nigeria’s readiness to reclaim the title they’ve now been emphatically answered.
