Nigeria’s Super Falcons are bracing for a tough test as they take on Zambia’s Copper Queens today (Friday) in the first quarter-final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca, Morocco.
The nine-time African champions face a familiar foe at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, where they will look to assert their dominance and advance to the semi-finals. Both teams finished their respective group campaigns with seven points, but while Nigeria topped Group A, Zambia placed second in Group B behind hosts Morocco.
This quarter-final marks the fourth WAFCON meeting between the two sides. Nigeria boasts a stronger historical record, having demolished Zambia 6-0 in 2014 and 4-0 in 2018. However, it was Zambia who had the last laugh, defeating the Falcons 1-0 in the third-place playoff at the 2022 edition — a result that highlighted Nigeria’s recent dip in continental dominance.
The Falcons, led by coach Justine Madugu, return to Morocco with hopes of reclaiming their continental crown. Yet, their performance in the group stage has been less than convincing. After a commanding 3-0 win over Tunisia in their opener, they edged Botswana 1-0 in a sluggish performance and wrapped up their group campaign with a goalless draw against Algeria.
While Nigeria’s defence has held firm, conceding no goals so far, their attack has lacked consistency. Chiwendu Ihezuo leads the team with two goals despite starting from the bench, while fellow substitute Esther Okoronkwo has provided two assists and proved a creative spark.
Their next opponents pose a formidable threat. Zambia, powered by attacking duo Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji — both with three goals — have proven they can turn games with moments of individual brilliance, even though the team has conceded four goals in the tournament.
Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre, named in CAF’s Team of the Group Stage, stressed the importance of team unity and focus ahead of the clash.
“We take pride in defending well as a team,” Plumptre said. “We know Zambia have great attacking threats and we respect that, but we’ve prepared for them as a unit, not just for two players.”
The stakes are high, with the winner of today’s quarter-final set to face either defending champions South Africa or an exciting Senegal side in Tuesday’s semi-final.
As the knockout rounds begin, the Super Falcons must now show the composure, creativity, and confidence worthy of a team chasing a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
