Banyana Banyana have their work cut out if they make it to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-final after Nigeria thrashed Zambia 5-0 in the quarter-final on Friday.
In a match pitting record winners Nigeria against one of the title favourites Zambia, few would have predicted how easy it would be for the nine-time winners, as the Super Falcons raced to a 3-0 lead at halftime.
Even with star striker Asisat Oshoala on the bench, Nigeria wasted little time as they went ahead after just two minutes when Osinachi Ohale opened the scoring from Esther Okoronkwo’s ball.
Super Falcons put Zambia to the sword
Oluwatosin Demehinthen put her name on the scoresheet in the 33rd minute thanks to Rasheedat Ajibade’s pass while Chinwendu Ihezuo made it 3-0 on the stroke of halftime.
After the break, Okoronkwo got her second assist when she set up Oluwatosin Demehin to head in the fourth goal in the 68th minute before Oshoala replaced her with 17 minutes to go, when the damage was already done.
Oshoala had two chances to add onto the tally for Nigeria but could not get her angles right but that did not stop the Super Falcons from extending their lead.
Ajibade brought in a delightful ball which was met by Folashade Ijamilusi at the near post and the 21-year-old had an easy tap in to complete the rout.
Can South Africa handle Nigeria?
It was a surprising result as Nigeria got their revenge over Zambia three years after the Shepolopolo beat them in the third-place playoff at the 2022 edition.
Nigeria will now await the winners between South Africa and Senegal, who play their quarter-final fixture on Saturday, with Banyana Banyana favourites to advance.
If they do, Desiree Ellis’ side have their work cut out given the sharpness Nigeria have shown so far, although South Africa will draw inspiration from their 1-0 win over the West Africans in the opening match of the 2022 tournament, before they went all the way and won it.
