NIGERIA’s Super Falcons will lock horns with the Copper Queens of Zambia on Friday in what is shaping up to be one of the fiercest encounters of the ongoing Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The quarter-final clash, scheduled for the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, is attracting high anticipation given the history and form of both sides.
Nigeria, nine-time champions of the tournament, are seeking to reassert their dominance after recent setbacks, including a semi-final exit to Morocco in 2022 and a loss to Zambia in the bronze medal match the same year.
Meanwhile, Zambia, led by star forwards Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji, are aiming to solidify their rise as a continental force.
Both teams come into the fixture with standout players recognised among the tournament’s group stage Best XI. Nigeria’s captain Rasheedat Ajibade and defender Ashleigh Plumptre were named, as were Zambia’s Lushomo Mweemba, Banda, and Kundananji.
Speaking ahead of the match, Nigeria’s head coach Justine Madugu said his team is focused and prepared:
“We have our strategies; we have watched them severally and we know what they can do. We’ll work on how to neutralize their strength. We are getting ready for each game, and we’ll have an antidote on the matchday.”
Zambia’s coach Nora Häuptle also expressed confidence in her squad, which has had ample time to recover following their group stage campaign:
“We are in a comfortable position with five rest days now. It’s a chance to recover, refresh and observe closely. If you want to reach the Final and win this tournament, you need to beat everyone.”
The fixture carries historical weight. Zambia has lost heavily to Nigeria in previous editions—6-0 in 2014 and 4-0 in 2018—but reversed that trend with a win in the 2022 bronze match.
Both sides now look evenly matched, and the outcome could shape the trajectory of the competition.
Nigeria will be bolstered by the return of midfielder Deborah Abiodun, who missed the last match due to suspension. Esther Okoronkwo is also expected to feature in the starting lineup, alongside midfielder Jennifer Echegini.
Support for the Super Falcons continues to swell, with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, and Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hajia Hannatu Musa Musawa, both commending the team and urging them to maintain their drive.
Whichever team triumphs on Friday will go on to face either defending champions South Africa or Senegal in the semi-finals, ensuring that the path to the title remains tough and unpredictable.