Nigeria thump Zambia to bounce back in Women’s AFCON

Defending champions Nigeria got their Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) campaign back on track with a 4-0 thumping of Zambia in Cape Coast on Wednesday evening.

The Super Falcons lost their first Group B match 1-0 to South Africa and were keen to redeem themselves against a side that walloped Equatorial Guinea 5-0.

Reigning African women’s footballer of the year, Asisat Oshoala, had the first pop at goal following a great pass from Rita Chikwelu. The former Arsenal forward was denied by the keeper in the ninth minute.

Falcons skipper Onome Ebi had a great chance to score the first goal but her header was saved by the goalkeeper.

Nigeria went ahead late in the first half. Francisca Ordega swept a sweet cross to the path of Desire Oparanozie who delivered a superb finish.

In the seconStrikerd stanza, Oparanozie saw her effort blocked by the defender after beating the keeper from close range.

Oshoala then raced to a through pass from Ngozi Okobi before pulling the trigger. Her shot went off target.

The former Arsenal and Liverpool forward was guilty of missing an easy chance after the hour mark.

The Falcons increased their advantage in the 69th minute. A well-laid cross from the right flank by Oshoala was poked to the bar by Oparanozie who did well to lay the rebound to Ordega. The Washington Spirit star showed predatory instinct with an unstoppable strike.

Substitute Rasheedat Ajibade netted an amazing strike with 14 minutes left on the clock. Her productive run was spotted by Oshoala who slid the ball through to her path. The FC Robo Queens striker sent a thunderous effort into the net.

The Falcons remained goal-hungry as Oshoala used her pace to beat her marker. The ex-Arsenal star was yet again denied by the goalkeeper.

Falcons gaffer Thomas Dennerby threw on Amarachi Okoronkwo for Halimatu Ayinde in the 80th minute.

The Nasarawa Amazons midfielder repaid the faith shown in her by the coach with an unstoppable shot which sailed to the net for the fourth goal.

How The Super Falcons Lined Up Against Zambia

Super Falcons XI Vs Zambia: Tochukwu Oluehi, Osinachi Ohale, Faith Michael (Josephine Chukwunonye 46′), Onome Ebi (C), Ebere Ngozi, Halimatu Ayinde (Amarachi Okoronkwo 80′), Rita Chikwelu, Ngozi Sonia Okobi, Asisat Oshoala, Desire Oparanozie (Rasheedat Ajibade 70′), Francisca Ordega.