Super Falcons skipper Rasheedat Ajibade has revealed the hidden fuel behind Nigeria’s massive 5-0 win over Zambia in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) — Zambia’s pre-match confidence.

Heading into the match, the Zambian team had generated plenty of buzz after an impressive group-stage campaign. They nearly beat host nation Morocco and went on to defeat both Senegal and DR Congo, with much of the hype focused on their star forwards Barbara Banda and Rachel Kundananji.

But when it mattered most, the Super Falcons came out swinging, delivering one of the most dominant displays of the tournament to seal a place in the semi-finals.

Speaking after the match, Ajibade said the Nigerian team was fully aware of the bold statements coming from the Zambian camp — and they used it as fuel.

“There was a lot of talk from the Zambia camp, and we heard all of it. It was big motivation for us,” she said.

The Falcons not only silenced their opponents, but also shut down critics and pundits who had written them off before the clash.

Coach Justine Madugu’s side now shifts focus to the semi-final round, with spirits high and confidence soaring. The players have shown they’re not just here to compete — they’re here to win it all.