The Super Falcons of Nigeria came rushing out of the blocks against Zambia at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco, as they secured a semi-final spot at the WAFCON 2024 tournament.
Coach Justin Madugu took bold risks in his selection against the Copper Queens, putting Rinsola Babajide and Asisat Oshoala on the substitutes’ bench.
In their place, Chiwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo started, and the decision paid off as they both secured first-half goals.
Soccernet.ng rates the performance of the Nigerian players as they secured a 5-0 win against Zambia.
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1. Chiamaka Nnadozie 6.5/10: The Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper didn’t have much to do as Algeria failed to play a shot on target. She’s now kept a clean sheet in all of Nigeria’s WAFCON 2024 games.
2. Michelle Alozie 6.7/10: The Houston Dash full-back, alongside the remainder of Nigeria’s backline, put in their best to deny the talented Barbra Banda a sniff on goal. The 28-year-old also combined well with Rasheedat Ajibade on the right flank going forward.
3. Oluwatosin Demehin 7.1/10: The Galatasaray defender had another good shift in the centre of the Nigerian defence, covering the ground well to recover loose balls and helping the team play out from the back.
She was given a yellow card in the first half and maintained composure by not committing a foul that could’ve gotten her sent off. Like Ohale, she scored a brilliant header for Nigeria’s fourth goal.
Having earlier said that the Super Falcons had nothing to fear against Zambia, Demehin walked the talk with a commanding performance.
4. Osinachi Ohale 7.4/10: The Pachuca centre-back got the Super Falcons up to a flying start, heading home 32 seconds into the first half from an Esther Okoronkwo cross.
The 33-year-old was also solid in defence, bringing stability to the back four alongside Demehin.
![Osinachi Ohale is celebrating Nigeria's opener against Zambia in the WAFCON 2024 quarter-final. [Photo Credit/ X].](https://soccernet.ng/app/uploads/2025/07/GwJ24lHWIAAmiZ0-819x1024.jpeg)
5. Ashleigh Plumptre 6.6/10: The Al-Ittihad defender had a fair performance against Zambia. She didn’t stand out on this occasion, but it is known without a doubt that she’s one of Nigeria’s best players.
6. Halimatu Ayinde 6.6/10: Tasked with doing the dirty work in the middle of the park, the Ronsegard midfielder did just that, keeping things tidy while helping her side remain physical in midfield.
7. Jennifer Echegini 6.8/10: The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder was thrust into central midfield for the second game running by coach Madugu.
Although the 24-year-old would’ve preferred to play in a more attacking position, her efforts cannot be faulted.
8. Rasheedat Ajibade 7.3/10: The Super Falcons captain had a better outing today, arguably her best in Morocco since the tournament kicked off.
She drew out the Zambian defenders with her relentless mazy runs and created Nigeria’s 5th goal. A true captain’s performance.
![Rasheedat Ajibade is celebrating Nigeria's second goal against Zambia in the WAFCON 2024 quarter-final. [Photo Credit/ X].](https://soccernet.ng/app/uploads/2025/07/GwJ5wwpXcAAcCm3-683x1024.jpeg)
9. Chiwendu Ihezuo 7/10: The Pachuca forward played in an unfamiliar role down the left, but she scored Nigeria’s third goal. Her well-placed finish into the bottom corner of the goal was nothing short of impressive.
10. Folashade Ijamilusi 6.9/10: Awarded a rare start by Justin Madugu, the 24-year-old left it all on the pitch.
She could’ve done better with her decision-making on some occasions, but on an evening where everything went right for the nine-time African Champions, she snatched her debut goal in the 91st minute, tapping home from Rasheedat Ajibade’s low cross.
11. Esther Okoronkwo 9/10: The AFC Toronto forward heads home with the player of the match award without question.
She created Nigeria’s first goal, scored the second, and then set up the fourth goal in what was a brilliant all-round show.
![Esther Okoronkwo celebrating Nigeria's second goal alongside Demehin against Zambia in the WAFCON 2024 quarter-final. [Photo Credit/ X].](https://soccernet.ng/app/uploads/2025/07/GwJ3oLnWIAgymQ1-683x1024.jpeg)
Substitutes
Sikiratu Isah 6.7/10: The 28-year-old defender came off the bench to replace Chiwendu Ihezuo in the 65th minute, but she could only help Nigeria see out the game. Her ball out from the back played a key role in Nigeria’s fifth goal.
Asisat Oshoala, Christy Ucheibe and Deborah Abiodun came on in the 74th minute for Esther Okoronkwo, Jennifer Echegini and Ayinde Halimatu. The trio didn’t muster anything tangible as the game was pretty much done when they came on.
