Plumptre Hails Super Falcons’ Dominant Win as Confidence Booster for WAFCON Semi-Final

Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre believes Nigeria’s emphatic 5-0 win over Zambia has given the team a major confidence lift ahead of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash.

The Leicester City centre-back, who was recently named in CAF’s Best XI from the group stage, praised the performance of Nigeria’s defence particularly her fellow centre-backs Osinachi Ohale and Oluwatosin Demehin, both of whom got on the scoresheet in Friday’s quarter-final in Casablanca.

“Every time I play for this team, I enjoy it, but this one meant a bit more,” Plumptre said after the match. “There was a lot of talk before the game, and I think some people expected us to struggle. It felt like we were being underestimated, so to win in such convincing fashion makes it even better.”

Nigeria got off to a flying start at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, with Ohale heading in Esther Okoronkwo’s free-kick just 90 seconds into the match. Demehin added the fourth goal later in the second half, also from an Okoronkwo set-piece.

“I was especially pleased for Osi and Tosin,” Plumptre added. “Centre-backs don’t usually get much recognition for scoring, but they’re both natural leaders and deserved their goals.”

Nigeria’s defence not only contributed two goals but also kept a clean sheet against a Zambian side tipped by many as title contenders. The backline successfully neutralised the attacking threats of reigning African Women’s Player of the Year Barbra Banda and world-record signing Racheal Kundananji.

With that performance, the Super Falcons preserved their flawless defensive record at the tournament, having yet to concede a goal in Morocco. Their attacking play also appeared to click into gear after a somewhat slow start during the group stage.

Attention now turns to Tuesday’s semi-final, which will also be held in Casablanca, as Nigeria continue their bid for a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.