Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football will face a crucial test today as the Super Falcons lock horns with Zambia’s Copper Queens in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The highly anticipated encounter takes place at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, where Nigeria remain stationed after finishing top of their group with seven points.
Zambia also amassed seven points to finish second in their group, which included tournament hosts Morocco and a resolute Senegalese side.
This sets up an intense showdown—one that carries echoes of the 2022 edition, where Zambia edged Nigeria 1-0 in the third-place playoff.
This quarter-final marks the fourth WAFCON meeting between the two nations.
Historically, the Super Falcons have enjoyed commanding victories over the Copper Queens, notably a 6-0 demolition in 2014 and a 4-0 win in 2018. However, the tides may be shifting.
Zambia enter the clash boasting two of Africa’s most lethal forwards: Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, both of whom have already found the net three times in this tournament.
Their firepower has been crucial to Zambia’s journey so far, even though the team has conceded four goals along the way.
Nigeria, on the other hand, have relied on their defensive solidity. Alongside South Africa, they are the only team yet to concede at WAFCON 2024.
Their campaign began with a commanding 3-0 win over Tunisia, followed by a narrow 1-0 victory against Botswana, and a goalless draw with Algeria that raised questions about their attacking consistency.
Despite the tepid finish to the group stage, the Super Falcons have bright spots. Substitute forward Chiwendu Ihezuo leads Nigeria’s scoring chart with two goals, while fellow bench starter Esther Okoronkwo has made a creative impact with two assists.
Coach Justine Madugu’s side is determined to reclaim their supremacy by winning a record-extending 10th continental title, but today’s clash promises to be a stern examination of their championship credentials.
Defender Ashleigh Plumptre, who made the CAF Team of the Group Stage, emphasized Nigeria’s collective effort: “We take pride in defending as a unit and attacking as one.
Zambia have great attacking threats, and we respect that—but we’re prepared. Not just for their stars, but for the whole team.”
Victory today will see either Nigeria or Zambia advance to a semi-final showdown against defending champions South Africa or the emerging force of Senegal next Tuesday.
The battle lines are drawn. It’s a rematch. It’s redemption. And above all, it’s a test of resilience for the Super Falcons.
