WAFCON: The Super Falcons defeat Zambia 5-0 in the quarterfinals after being inspired by “disrespect”
The Super Falcons defeated Zambia’s Copper Queens 5-0 to go to the WAFCON Semi-Finals.
After crushing Zambia’s Copper Queens, headed by star striker Barbra Banda, 5–0, Nigeria’s Super Falcons advanced to their record-extending 13th semifinal at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Defender Osinachi Ohale started the scoring within two minutes, repeating her goal-scoring performance from the Falcons’ 6-0 victory over Zambia at the 2014 tournament, making their intentions apparent right away. Before halftime, Esther Okoronkwo added another, masterfully completing Rasheedat Ajibade’s delivery inside the box with a single fluid motion.
Nigeria’s third goal was a bustle from Chinwendu Ihezuo, followed by a strong header from Blessing Demehin, and a late goal from Folashade Ijamilusi completed the outstanding display.
The Falcons dominated in every area to earn a decisive victory and a trip to the semifinals, where they will play the winner of the South Africa vs. Senegal quarterfinal. Goalie Chiamaka Nnadozie had a quiet day in goal, needing to make no saves.
The players were motivated by what they perceived as disrespect prior to the game, especially from Zambian coach Nora Hauptle, who promised to “go hunting” against Nigeria, according to Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu.
“The girls monitor social media; they come across reports and opposition comments,” Madugu stated. They feel they haven’t received the recognition they know they deserve thus far in the competition, therefore they want to get more regard for themselves.
The girls have been quite determined to use this competition to gain some respect for themselves during the past two or three days. For them, it served as incentive. You can observe how they performed today. Everyone put forth their best effort in order to win today. We went outside to play, not to defend. The girls are deserving of praise for it.
That attitude was shared by team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who claimed that the team was only motivated to perform well by the critical pre-game discourse.
“To be honest, we were really underrated before the game, and the Zambian side was making a lot of noise and hype,” Ajibade stated. We heard everything, and to be honest, those are the words that really motivate us because we appreciate it when individuals make an effort to express themselves.
We attempt to stand up and demonstrate our team identity during these times when they undervalue us. In essence, our strategy was to concentrate on ourselves and do the necessary actions to win the game.
In addition to silencing their detractors, the Super Falcons’ commanding victory solidified their place as the most successful and formidable team in African women’s football.
