WAFCON: Super Falcons to rekindle rivalry against Copper Queens of Zambia
By Uzor Odigbo
Nigeria will look to revive their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title defence when they face Zambia in a pivotal Group C encounter at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Saturday
The Super Falcons suffered one of the biggest upsets of the tournament in their opening match, falling 3-2 to Malawi despite entering the competition as defending champions.
Justin Madugu’s side struggled to contain Malawi’s attacking threat, with sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga inspiring the victory.
Temwa, who plays for Kansas City Current, scored twice, while Lyon forward Tabitha added the decisive goal after finishing through the legs of goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The challenge facing Nigeria becomes even tougher against a confident Zambia side spearheaded by Barbra Banda.
The Orlando Pride forward produced a sensational display in Zambia’s 6-0 demolition of Egypt, scoring four goals to underline her status as one of Africa’s most dangerous attackers.
Saturday’s meeting also offers Zambia an opportunity for revenge after their heavy 5-0 defeat to Nigeria in last year’s WAFCON quarter-finals.
Led by head coach Nora Häuptle, the Copper Queens will believe they have the quality to turn the tables on the continent’s most successful women’s national team.
Nigeria remain the benchmark in African women’s football, having won the continental title 10 times.
However, South Africa’s triumph in 2022 highlighted the growing competitiveness of the women’s game across the continent, and the gap between the traditional powerhouses and emerging contenders continues to narrow.
With qualification for the knockout stage at stake, the clash between two of Africa’s strongest sides could provide another indication of the shifting balance of power in the women’s game.
The top two teams in each group will advance to the quarter-finals. The tournament’s four semi-finalists will secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the losing quarter-finalists will compete in play-offs for the remaining inter-confederation qualification places.
Nigeria’s defensive frailties were exposed against Malawi, with the absence of injured defender Ashleigh Plumptre proving significant. Madugu deployed a back four comprising Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale and Shukurat Oladipo, but the unit struggled to cope with Malawi’s pace and movement.
Containing Zambia’s formidable attacking trio of Banda, Racheal Kundananji and Prisca Chilufya will be Nigeria’s biggest challenge.
The Super Falcons successfully neutralised Zambia in last year’s quarter-final by dominating midfield, and a similar approach may be required once again.
