Defending champions of the African Women Cup of Nations Nigeria has reached the semi finals stage of the ongoing tournament in Cameroon.

Nigeria defeated Kenya 4-0 to book their spot in the last four. Nigeria played Kenya in Limbe, starting the game quickly as they scored in the second minute. Ngozi Okobi scored the goal as she got her first start in the tournament. A few minutes later, Nigeria doubled the lead through veteran Faith Ikidi who nodded from a free kick.

Kenya tried to hold off attacks but their Nigerian counterparts were too much to handle. Their forward plays ended at the feet of Nigerian goalie Alaba Jonathan. Nigerian playmaker Asisat Oshoala kept on threatening the defence of the Kenyans, as she wanted more goals after scoring four in the first Group B game against Mali. The first half ended without a change in the score-line but the Nigerians came back stronger after the short recess.

Okobi collaborated with Oshoala and the female star sent the ball past the Kenyan goalkeeper Vivian Akinyi. The goal was the Arsenal striker’s sixth in the tournament after her goal in the game against Ghana was counted in her favour despite coming off Portia Boakye. Nigeria got their fourth through Desire Oparanozie.

In another game, Ghana thrashed their opponents Mali 3-1 to ensure they reached the semi finals. Both sides created chances but the Black Queens went ahead in the first half. Linda Eshun scored, sending the ball over the head of the Malian last woman after defensive errors. Boakye setup Samira Suleiman for the second goal for Ghana. Sweden-based Elizabeth Addo got the third from the penalty spot while Binta Diarra pulled one back for Mali.
The semi final pairings will see the Falcons of Nigeria play South Africa in Limbe while Ghana face hosts Cameroon in the capital city.