Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered a statement performance on Friday, demolishing Zambia 5-0 in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, quarterfinal in Casablanca. The emphatic win sent them into the semifinals as they chase a record-extending 12th continental title.

Goals from Osinachi Ohale, Esther Okoronkwo, and Chimwendu Ihezuo in a dominant first half set the tone, before second-half strikes from Oluwatosin Demehin and Folashade Ijamilusi completed the rout. The Falcons remain yet to concede a goal in the tournament.

Zambia’s much-hyped strike partnership of Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji was effectively neutralized by Nigeria’s rock-solid defence, led by Ohale and Demehin. Banda’s only real moment came in the first half, but Grace Chanda failed to convert her cutback.

Ohale opened the scoring just a minute in, heading home Okoronkwo’s free kick as the Zambian defence froze. Nigeria nearly doubled the lead minutes later, with Musole pulling off a sharp double save to deny Okoronkwo and Ijamilusi.

The second came on 34 minutes, as Ajibade’s cross fell to Okoronkwo, who finished coolly amid hesitant Zambian defending. Ihezuo made it 3-0 just before halftime after pouncing on a poor clearance and slotting past Musole with ease.

Zambia offered little after the break, struggling to play out from the back and repeatedly losing possession. Kundananji dropped deep in search of involvement, but the Nigerian defence kept her and Banda quiet throughout.

Demehin added a fourth in the 68th minute, heading in another fine delivery from Okoronkwo. Ijamilusi completed the rout in added time, tapping in Ajibade’s low cross after a surging run down the flank.

With South Africa and Senegal set to face off on Saturday, Nigeria will meet the winner in Tuesday’s semifinal. On current form, the Super Falcons look capable of going all the way without conceding, just as they did in 1998.