Two of Africa’s most exciting and ambitious women’s football nations, Nigeria and Zambia, are set for a thrilling clash in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) by 5pm (WAT) on Friday in Casablanca, Morocco.
A fierce contest awaits at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, where a semifinal ticket, legacy and continental bragging rights will be on the line.
It’s a rivalry that has grown in intensity over recent years and with both sides bringing unbeaten group stage form, this quarterfinal promises to be one of the highlights of the tournament.
PREVIEW
Both Nigeria and Zambia arrive in the last eight with their confidence intact following strong group-stage performances.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria topped Group B with seven points, kicking off with a commanding 3-0 win over Tunisia, followed by a gritty 1-0 win over Botswana, and a goalless draw against Algeria.
Nigeria are yet to concede a goal in the competition, a testament to their discipline and structure under head coach Justin Madugu.
“Our preparations have been good. As usual, we are already aware of the game tomorrow — a quarterfinal against Zambia,” said Super falcons coach Madugu.
“We’ve been trying as much as possible to make sure that the girls are ready,” “Preparations are okay.”
Head coach Madugu assured that Nigeria’s Super Falcons are mentally, psychologically and tactically ready to confront Zambia’s Copper Queens in Friday’s potentially-explosive WAFCON quarter-final encounter in Casablanca.
Nigeria’s dominance in WAFCON history is well documented, with a record nine titles and emphatic wins over Zambia in previous editions — including a 6-0 win in 2014 and 4-0 in 2018.
But the Copper Queens flipped the script in 2022, edging Nigeria 1-0 in the third-place match — a symbolic win that underscored their arrival among the continent’s best.
Coach Madugu, who was on Nigeria’s technical crew during all three previous encounters, remains respectful but focused.
“We cannot take away the fact that Zambia are a good team, but they are not unbeatable,” Magudu said.
“The girls are in high spirits and fully ready for them.”
“They, too, are very uncomfortable coming up against us.”
Madugu’s ladies have shown defensive solidity and tactical discipline so far this tournament and will look to continue.
Nigerian defender Ashleigh Plumptre, one of only two Super Falcons named in the Group Stage Best XI, has marshaled a backline yet to concede a goal.
She shared a few words about preparing for the mammoth task ahead.
“We all defend as one and attack as one,” Plumptre noted. “We are proud to have gone through the group stage without conceding.”
“Preparations are going well. Everyone is in good spirits. The atmosphere in camp is calm and exciting,” Plumptre added. “Zambia have a good attacking line and we respect that. We prepare for the whole team and not just a few players.”
On facing Zambian talisman Barbra Banda, who has scored in every group match: “I don’t know her personally, but I remember the gender verification backlash she faced,” Plumptre said. “I have a lot of respect for her.”
“She had to silence everyone and perform with a smile on her face. I really look forward to coming up against her. Honestly, I am not carrying any pressure with me. It’s just motivation to work extra hard.”
Zambia, meanwhile, are determined to go beyond their 2022 bronze finish and prove their progress is sustainable.
The Copper Queens impressed in Group A, finishing second only to hosts Morocco on goal difference with seven points.
They battled to a 2-2 draw against the Atlas Lionesses, followed it up with a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Senegal and sealed qualification with a 1-0 victory over DR Congo.
Coach Nora Hauptle expressed confidence in her squad’s evolution and readiness.
“I am happy to have had these days to prepare for the quarterfinal. I think my team is ready for the next stage,” Hauptle said.
“We moved down to Casablanca yesterday excited and prepared for tomorrow’s game.”
Zambia captain Barbra Banda — absent during the 2018 and 2022 clashes — is relishing the opportunity to lead her side in this edition.
“2018 and 2022 are in the past. What we are focusing on is what we have now,” she said. “It’s going to be an interesting game.”
“This is Africa, and football here is different from the States. It’s going to be competitive and at the end of the day, one team will win.”
HEAD TO HEAD
This will be the fourth WAFCON meeting between Nigeria and Zambia.
Nigeria demolished the Copper Queens 6-0 in 2014 and followed that with a 4-0 rout in 2018. But Zambia stunned the Falcons with a 1-0 win in the third-place playoff of 2022 – albeit via a Nigerian own goal credited to goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
No Zambian player has ever scored against Nigeria in this tournament, yet they will take heart from that victory.
TEAM NEWS
Both sides will be without a key attacking option due to injury. Nigeria will miss Malawian-Nigerian forward Chioma Okafor, who is ruled out due to a hand injury sustained in training.
However, the Super Falcons will see Deborah Abiodun return to the fold after serving her one-match suspension — an addition that boosts midfield steel and ball progression.
For Zambia, Xiomara Mapepa will miss the encounter due to a fitness setback, but the Southern Africans will welcome back midfield dynamo Grace Chanda following suspension — a timely boost to their creativity and drive in midfield.
Nigeria’s ambitions are clear: reclaim the WAFCON title and reassert their dominance. Victory in Friday’s will steer the Super Falcons closer to a 10th continental title. However, a rejuvenated Zambian side would be seeking to cause an upset in this mammoth encounter.
This WAFCON quarterfinal will bring together some of the finest talents in African women’s football and promises to deliver back-to-back action as the competition draws closer to a climax.
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