WAFCON 2024: Zambia captain, Banda speaks ahead of quarter-final clash against Nigeria

Banda, who is the current African Footballer of the Year, said the Copper Queens will “speak on the pitch”.

By Kehinde Okeowo

Zambia captain, Barbara Banda has made it clear to the Super Falcons of Nigeria that the Southern African team is not scared of them.

She made this known in Casablanca during the press conference of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations’ quarter final clash between the two countries billed for Friday, July 18.

The Copper Queens are seeking a second consecutive appearance in the semi-final of the competition.

Nora Hauptle’s side went home with the bronze three years ago, edging past Nigeria 1-0 in the third-place match.

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The Super Falcons on their part, waltzed through Group B without conceding, although they are yet to hit expected heights.

The nine-time African champions, however, remain a strong force, and have some of the best players on the continent.

Speaking ahead of the egerly anticipated encounter, Banda, who is the current African Footballer of the Year,  declared that they respect the Super Falcons but have no fear for Justine Madugu’s team.

She went on to add that she and her teammates will “speak on the pitch”.

She said, “We are not scared, but we respect them because we know the game is 90-plus, so we are going to speak on the pitch. We want to hunt it.”