Nigeria’s Super Falcons underlined their title credentials with a ruthless 5-0 demolition of Zambia in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca.

The nine-time champions made a blistering start and never let up, blowing away a Zambian side many had tipped to push them to the limit.

Centre-back Osinachi Ohale set the tone with a powerful header just two minutes in, punishing the Copper Queens for slack marking at a free-kick. From there, the floodgates opened.

Esther Okoronkwo doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 33rd minute with a crisp finish after a swift attacking move. It was no less than she deserved after tormenting Zambia’s backline with her movement and directness.

Just before the break, striker Chinwendu Ihezuo pounced on defensive indecision to coolly slot home Nigeria’s third — a hammer blow that effectively ended the contest before half-time.

Any hopes Zambia had of staging a comeback were swiftly extinguished after the interval. Oluwatosin Demehin rose highest to meet another superbly delivered free-kick to make it 4-0 in the 65th minute.

The Super Falcons wrapped up the rout in stoppage time when substitute Folashade Ijamilusi poked in the fifth, capping a performance as polished as it was punishing.

Zambia’s high-flying duo of Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji — who had scored three goals each in the group stages — were kept completely quiet, failing to register a single shot on target.

It was a reversal of fortunes for the Copper Queens, who had beaten Nigeria in the third-place playoff two years ago. On this occasion, they were outclassed in every department.

Grace Chanda spurned Zambia’s best chance in the 30th minute, but their lack of composure in front of goal and defensive vulnerability cost them dearly.

The victory extended Nigeria’s unbeaten and unbreached run in the tournament. Coach Randy Waldrum praised his team’s focus and execution.

“We came into this game knowing the threat Zambia posed, but the girls stuck to the plan, kept their discipline, and were ruthless,” said Waldrum.

“We’ve been building momentum and this was our best performance yet.”

Nigeria now await the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final clash between South Africa and Senegal. The semi-final takes place on Tuesday, July 23 at 16:00 GMT.

With five goals scored, none conceded, and a clean sheet maintained throughout the tournament, the Super Falcons have firmly re-established themselves as the team to beat in Morocco.

Their drive for a record-extending 10th WAFCON title is now just two wins away — and on this form, few would bet against them lifting the trophy once again.