Defending champions Nigeria (Super Falcons) has confirmed their supremacy in women football after beating hard fighting Cote d'Ivoire 3-1 in a Group B match of the 8th African Women Championship (AWC) 2012 played on Sunday at Malabo Stadium.

Five-time winners Nigeria will now take on Group A runners up South Africa in the second semi final to be played on Wednesday at Nkoantoma Stadium in Bata. Hosts Equatorial Guinea who topped their group will meet Cameroon the same day in the first semi final at Malabo Stadium.

Super Falcons under skipper Perpetua Nkwocha had to play well in order to silence the charging Ivoirians. In the 9th minute striker Ogunna Chukwudi scored for Nigerians from close range and six minutes before half time defender Ebere Ngozi added second goal with a shot that beat Ivorian goalkeeper Marie Thiamale.

In the 44th minute Ivorian striker Rachel Bancouly who was later replaced by Ange Nguessan missed an opportunity to reduce the margin when she shot wide with only goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi to beat.

Both teams made several changes in the second half in an attempt to control the game. However it was Nigeria who managed to increase their tally in the 75th minute through diminutive midfielder Stella Mbachu. Ines N'rehy scored the consolation goal for Cote d'Ivoire eight minutes from time.