Super Falcons midfielder Jennifer Echegini says the team will carry the momentum from their emphatic 5-0 win over Zambia into their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash against either Senegal or South Africa.
Despite being favourites, the Falcons entered the quarter-final with shaky confidence, having underwhelmed in their last two group games against Botswana and Algeria. In contrast, Zambia came into the match on a high, having won their final two group games convincingly.
However, goals from Osinachi Ohale, Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Folashade Ijamilusi sealed a dominant victory for Nigeria over their southern African opponents.
Head coach Justin Madugu made some surprising changes to the starting lineup, benching the front three of Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and Toni Payne, who had started the first two games, along with combative midfielder Deborah Abiodun.
In their place, he handed starts to Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini, with the tactical reshuffle paying off handsomely.
Speaking after the match, Echegini, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, expressed confidence that the performance would propel the team forward.
“They have a lot of good players, props to them. A score of 5-0 is a good score. We’re going to use it as momentum moving forward and keep building,” Echegini said after the game.
Echegini also praised Nigeria’s defensive unit for their ability to shut down Zambia’s attacking threats, including reigning African Footballer of the Year Barbra Banda and prolific striker Racheal Kundananji, both of whom had scored three goals each before the game.
“They’re always dangerous, but today, they were extra challenged. It showed how impressive our defence is. Props to the backline, they kept a clean sheet, so kudos to everyone.
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