It was all things bright and beautiful for the Super Falcons of Nigeria as they smashed Zambia's Black Queens to become the first team to qualify to the semi-finals of the 2024 Women's African Cup of Nations.
Coming into this game, the Super Falcons had only scored four goals across three group stage games, a tally they now matched, with four against Zambia.
Coach Justin Madugu put out a rather strong attacking lineup, with Esther Okworonkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Jennifer Echegini all handed a starting bearth.
This attacking force soon showed it's mettle!
Less than two minutes into the game, Osinachi Ohale got on the end of a brilliant ball into the box from Esther Okworonkwo, and headed home for the Super Falcons' first of the game.
The Falcons kept on piling the pressure, but the Zambians did well to hold on.
Tosin Demehin and Osinachi Ohale did particularly well to hold off Zambia's deadly duo; Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji, as they tried to get back into the game.
On the 33rd minute mark, goal provider Esther Okworonkwo turned scorer, as she calmly controlled a brilliant Rasheedat Ajibade ball, and slotted it past Musole beautifully!
The Falcons continued their dominance!
Seven minutes later, the Super Falcons almost added a third as Esther Okworonkwo lifted a ball in towards Ihezuo, but her header was straight into the hands of the goalkeeper.
On the stroke of halftime, the Falcons made it three, as Chiwendu Ihezuo held off her marker brilliantly and slotted home a long ball over the top, to give the Falcons absolute control.
It this ended three-nil at halftime.
Just minutes into the second half, the Super Falcons continued their dominance, as Rasheedat Ajibade played a through pass for Chiwendu Ihezuo but the latter couldn't reach.
Justin Madugu made the first change of the game, taking off Chinwendu Ihezuo for Sikiratu Isah, as he looked to put more bodies in defence.
Just minutes later, Tosin Demehin got in on the act! A brilliant delivery into the box once again, and the Galatasaray defender headed home from close range. The game was now put to bed.
In the 71st minute, Esther Okworonkwo played another fine pass, this time for Folashade Ijamilusi, but her header was just wide.
Two minutes later, Justin Madugu made a triple substitution, taking off Esther Okworonkwo, Halimatu Ayinde and Jennifer Echegini, for Asisat Oshoala, Christy Ucheibe and Deborah Abiodun, as he looked to inject more energy.
The game soon reached the 90 minute mark, with the Zambians still unable to register a shot on target.
The Falcons still proved they were not done yet!
WAFCON debutant Folashade Ijamilusi got her name on the score sheet for the first ever time in a competitive game, after Captain Rasheedat Ajibade put in a low ball from the right hand side, and the former FC Robo striker was in at the far post to tap home.
It is also worthy to note that Zambia's Black Queens failed to register a shot on target in the entirety of the game.
A five star performance from the Super Falcons, which will now see them face either of South Africa or Senegal in the semi-finals.