Players of Nigeria celebrating one of their goals against Zambia

Nigeria sent a strong message to their rivals at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after ruthlessly dismantling Nora Hauptle’s Zambia 5-0 in Casablanca to storm into the semi-finals on Friday, July 18, 2025.

The Copper Queens, coached by former Black Queens boss Nora Hauptle, came into the quarter-final clash with high hopes of upsetting the nine-time African champions. But from the first whistle, the Super Falcons were in no mood for surprises.

Just two minutes in, veteran defender Osinachi Ohale punished poor marking at a free-kick to nod Nigeria ahead and set the tone for a one-sided encounter at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.

Zambia, who famously beat Nigeria to claim bronze at the 2022 WAFCON, squandered their chance to hit back when Grace Chanda fluffed a golden opportunity to level on the half-hour mark.

Moments later, Esther Okoronkwo doubled Nigeria’s lead with a classy finish to cap off an impressive first half.

Things went from bad to worse for Hauptle’s side just before the break as Chinwendu Ihezuo made it 3-0, punishing hesitant defending with a composed strike.

Any faint hopes of a Zambian fightback were snuffed out when Oluwatosin Demehin rose highest to head home a fourth from another expertly delivered free-kick midway through the second half.

In added time, substitute Folashade Ijamilusi completed the rout with a neat finish to underline Nigeria’s dominance.

It was a nightmare return to the WAFCON knockouts for Nora Hauptle, who just a year ago was hailed in Ghana for reviving the Black Queens.

Now tasked with guiding Zambia to new heights, the Swiss coach watched helplessly as her usually free-scoring stars, Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, were completely shut down, neither managing a single shot on target.

The Super Falcons remain the only team yet to concede at this year’s tournament and will meet either defending champions South Africa or Senegal in the semi-final on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

FKA/KA

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