Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football faces another stern test today as the Super Falcons square off against Zambia’s Copper Queens in the quarter-final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. The crucial match takes place at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, where Nigeria secured a place in the knockout round after finishing top of Group C with seven points.
Although both Nigeria and Zambia ended the group stage with seven points apiece, Zambia qualified as runners-up in a tougher Group A that featured the host nation Morocco and a competitive Senegalese side. Now, the stage is set for what promises to be a fierce battle between two of the continent’s most determined sides.
Nigeria Seeking Redemption After 2022 Bronze Defeat
Today’s quarter-final marks the fourth time the two nations will meet at WAFCON, with Nigeria historically enjoying the upper hand. The Super Falcons thrashed Zambia 6-0 in 2014 and followed up with a 4-0 rout in 2018. However, fortunes shifted at the last tournament in 2022, when Zambia edged Nigeria 1-0 in the third-place playoff—a bitter loss that underscored the narrowing gap between African women’s football powerhouses.
Since that defeat, Nigeria has struggled to reassert its dominance on the continent. The Falcons were humbled in the 2022 edition, suffering losses to South Africa, Morocco, and Zambia. That disappointing campaign ended without a podium finish, a rarity for the nine-time champions.
Now led by coach Justine Madugu, the Super Falcons return to Morocco in pursuit of a record-extending 10th title. However, their underwhelming group stage performance has raised questions about their ability to go all the way. While they kicked off their campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over Tunisia, they labored to a narrow 1-0 victory against Botswana and settled for a dull goalless draw with Algeria.
Star Players Shine Despite Team’s Inconsistency
Despite Nigeria’s modest form, individual players have shown flashes of brilliance. Forward Chiwendu Ihezuo, used mainly as a substitute, leads the team in scoring with two goals. Another bench starter, Esther Okoronkwo, has emerged as a key creative spark, providing two assists and generally lifting the attack whenever introduced.
Defensively, Nigeria boasts a clean sheet across all three group matches—an encouraging stat ahead of today’s high-stakes encounter. Defender Ashleigh Plumptre, named in the CAF Team of the Group Stage, has been instrumental in that defensive solidity. She emphasized the team’s collective approach ahead of the clash.
“We take pride as a team in defending together and attacking together. Our threats can come from many different areas, and that gives us an edge. We know Zambia has strong attacking threats, and we respect that. But we’ve prepared for Zambia as a whole, not just individual players,” Plumptre stated.
Zambia’s Attack Led by Lethal Duo Banda and Kundananji
Zambia’s major strength lies in its frontline, featuring the dynamic duo of Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji—both of whom have scored three goals each in the tournament. Banda, the reigning African Women’s Player of the Year, brings power and flair, while Kundananji adds pace and finishing precision. The two attackers account for all of Zambia’s goals in the competition so far, although their team has conceded four times, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.
Zambia’s path to the quarter-finals saw them beat Senegal 1-0 and Morocco 2-1 before drawing 1-1 with Tanzania. These results reflect a resilient and improving side capable of challenging even the most experienced teams.
Road to the Semi-Finals: What Lies Ahead
Whichever team emerges victorious from today’s encounter will move on to face the winner of the other quarter-final match between defending champions South Africa and Senegal, scheduled for next Tuesday. For Nigeria, defeating Zambia is not just about advancing—it’s also about restoring their status as the undisputed queens of African football.
Meanwhile, Zambia will be eager to build on their 2022 bronze medal performance and prove that their previous win over Nigeria was no fluke. With both teams boasting strong line-ups and high stakes on the line, this quarter-final could be one of the most closely contested matches of the tournament.
Final Thoughts
While Nigeria enters this tie as the more decorated side, recent history and current form suggest that Zambia will not be pushovers. For the Super Falcons, today’s clash offers a critical opportunity to redeem themselves after a difficult 2022 and reclaim their place at the summit of African women’s football.
Kick-off is set for today at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, and fans across the continent will be watching closely to see if Nigeria can extend their legacy or if Zambia will deliver another upset on their journey toward continental glory.
