Nigeria has made a major step towards the guarantee of their 10th African title with a dominant 5-0 victory against Zambia in the quarter-finals of the Cup of Nations in female Africa.
The goals of Osinachi Ohale, Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Oluwatosin Demehin and Folashade Ijamusi propelled the super falconies to a dominant victory over the copper queens at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
The nine African champions entered the match with a solid record in-head, but the presence of an African reign player of the year, Barbra Banda, was a potential threat to the hopes of Nigeria.
However, it was Justine Madugu’s team that seized the initiative just two minutes away, while defender Osinachi Ohale got up above his markers to head towards the well-placed free kick of Esther Okoronkwo, leaving the goalkeeper Petronella Must without any chance.
Okoronkwo doubled the advance of the Super Falcons in the 33rd minute, ending a rapid attack movement with a precise strike in the lower corner, leaving the goalkeeper of the copper queens without any chance.
In a first half full of goals, the Nora Hauptle team conceded a third when Ihezuo capitalized on a loose ball in the box, calmly roasting a left foot finish which practically sealed the match.
The domination of Nigeria continued in the 68th minute, Demehin extending the advance at 4-0. The replacement Folashade Ijamilusi then finished the rout in the closing stages, finishing a beautiful decisive pass from Rasheedat Ajibade.
With this victory, West African Africans kept the quest for a 10th African title with the record extent. They will face the winner of South Africa vs Senegal for a place in the final.
(tagstranslate) Football (T) Africa Cup of Nations Women (T) Oluwatosin Demehin (T) Chinwendu Ihezuo (T) Folashade Ijamusi (T) Osinachi Ohale (T) Esther Okoronkwo (T) Barbra Banda (T) Nigeria W (T) Zambia W (T) African Football (T)