The Nigeria Super Falcons secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Zambia in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-final match at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium on Friday, July 18, 2025. The win propels Nigeria, a nine-time champion, closer to their aspiration for a tenth title, a goal they have termed “Mission X.”
The encounter, which some football analysts had anticipated would be a closely contested affair between Zambia’s Barbra Banda, the current African Women’s Best Player, and Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala, a six-time African Women Footballer of the Year, quickly shifted as the Super Falcons took firm control of the game.
Nigeria wasted no time in establishing their dominance, with Osinachi Ohale scoring the opening goal in the second minute with a header. The Super Falcons continued to press, generating multiple scoring opportunities throughout the initial half. Esther Okoronkwo extended Nigeria’s lead in the 33rd minute. Just before halftime, in the 45th minute, Chinwendu Ihezuo added a third goal, converting a one-on-one opportunity against the Zambian goalkeeper. The first half concluded with Nigeria holding a commanding 3-0 lead.
The second half saw no decrease in intensity from the Nigerian side. In the 69th minute, Tosin Demehin headed in a free-kick delivered by Esther Okoronkwo, further increasing the score to 4-0. The Super Falcons sealed their victory with a fifth goal in the 90+4 minute.
Throughout the match, Nigeria’s defensive unit maintained its strong performance, ensuring the team’s clean sheet in the tournament thus far. Zambia, despite their attempts to breach Nigeria’s defense, including efforts from Barbra Banda that were thwarted by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, were unable to score. This outcome concludes Zambia’s aspirations for their first WAFCON trophy this year.
Nigerian coach Justin Madugu implemented several strategic substitutions during the second half, bringing in Asisat Oshoala, Christy Ucheibe, and Deborah Abiodun for Esther Okoronkwo, Echegini, and Halimatu Ayinde. Chinwendu Ihezuo was later substituted by Sikiratu Isah.
