The Super Falcons of Nigeria delivered their best performance yet at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as they took apart Zambia in the quarter-finals.
Esther Okoronkwo had a standout performance in the annihilation of the Copper Queens as she scored a goal and provided two assists.
The nine-time African champions, having come under severe criticisms for their lackluster group stage outing, responded in fine fashion to progress into the last four.
Osinachi Ohale put Justin Madugu’s side ahead after two minutes of action with a header from Esther Okoronkwo’s brilliant free-kick delivery.
Okoronkwo doubled the lead a few minutes after the half-hour mark with a composed finish in the box.
The Nigerian ladies took the tie away from the reach of the Zambians as Chiwendu Ihezuo took advantage of a long ball before rendering the keeper helpless.
Nigeria went into the break with a comfortable and convincing three-nil lead leaving the Zambians in a state of confusion.
The Super Falcons continued to punish the Copper Queens from set pieces and this time Oluwatosin Demehin got to the end of Okoronkwo’s cross to make it four-nil after the hour mark.
With the damage dome already, coach Justin Madugu introduced six-time Women’s African Footballer of the Year, Asissat Oshoala, Deborah Abiodun and Christy Ucheibe to have a bite of the “cherry.”
However, it was Folashade Ijamilusi who added the “icing on the cake” for the Super Falcons on her debut appearance in the tournament.
The tie ended 5-0 as the Super Falcons sealed a semi-final ticket where they await the winner between South Africa and Senegal.
