Nine-time champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons take on Zambia in what promises to be a thrilling Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarterfinal clash at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Friday evening.

For the Super Falcons, it’s about cementing continental dominance. For the Copper Queens, it’s about proving their bronze-medal run in 2022 was no fluke.

After an efficient if unspectacular group campaign, Nigeria will look to shift into top gear, while Zambia, led by the explosive duo of Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, are eager to break barriers.

Nigeria progressed to the quarterfinals as winners of Group B, picking up seven points without conceding a single goal.

The Falcons started brightly with a 3-0 win over Tunisia, laboured to a 1-0 win over Botswana, and rounded off with a cagey 0-0 draw against Algeria. The former champions have looked solid defensively but questions remain about their attacking cohesion.

Zambia, meanwhile, finished runners-up in Group A, level on seven points with hosts Morocco but edged into second on goal difference.

The Copper Queens began with a 2-2 draw against Morocco, twice taking the lead before being pegged back.

A thrilling 3-2 win over Senegal followed before they ground out a narrow 1-0 victory over DR Congo. Banda and Kundananji have scored all six of Zambia’s goals so far – a two-woman wrecking crew.

WAFCON pedigree
Nigeria’s resume at WAFCON is unrivalled: 12 tournaments, 9 titles, and never a semifinal miss. Their aura still looms large.

In contrast, Zambia’s story is a tale of steady progression.

After group stage exits in 2014 and 2018, they made history by clinching bronze in 2022 – including their first-ever win over Nigeria. The Copper Queens are no longer minnows.

Head to head: Super Falcons vs Copper Queens
This will be the fourth WAFCON meeting between Nigeria and Zambia.

Nigeria demolished the Copper Queens 6-0 in 2014 and followed that with a 4-0 rout in 2018.

But Zambia stunned the Falcons with a 1-0 win in the third-place playoff of 2022 – albeit via a Nigerian own goal credited to goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. No Zambian player has ever scored against Nigeria in this tournament, yet they will take heart from that victory.

Team news
Esther Okoronkwo, despite being Nigeria’s most influential player off the bench, has yet to start. This may be the game coach Justin Madugu finally unleashes her from the off.

Chinwendu Ihezuo leads Nigeria’s scoring chart with two goals, while Asisat Oshoala – though fit – is struggling for rhythm and is likely to make way.

Midfielder Deborah Abiodun returns from suspension and is expected to slot back into a midfield anchored by Halimatu Ayinde and PSG’s Jennifer Echegini, who dazzled against Algeria.

At the back, Ashleigh Plumptre and Osinachi Ohale have been rock solid, shielding the ever-reliable Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Zambia will stick with their trusted formula: Banda and Kundananji up front, with the rest of the team tasked with keeping things tight behind them.

Possible lineup
Nigeria’s predicted XI (4-3-3):
Nnadozie; Alozie, Ohale, Demehin, Plumptre; Abiodun, Ayinde, Echegini; Ajibade, Ihezuo, Okoronkwo

Zambia’s predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Musole; Nachula, Maluba, Mweemba, Tembo; Lungu, Wilombe; Chilufya, Chanda, Kundananji; Banda

What are they saying?
Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu:

“We have our strategies, we have watched them severally, and we know what they can do. We’ll work on how to neutralise their strength, so we’re not too bothered by the individual players.

‘We know how good they are, but we’re not bothered. We are getting ready for each game, and we’ll have an antidote on the matchday.”

Copper Queens head coach Nora Häuptle:

“We are in a comfortable position with five rest days now. It’s a chance to recover, refresh and observe closely. Whoever we face, we will be ready.

“If you want to reach the final and win this tournament, you need to beat everyone.”

Match details
Tournament: 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations
Fixture: Nigeria vs Zambia
Date: Friday, July 18
Venue: Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca
Kick-off: 6:00 pm Nigerian Time

Prediction
This quarterfinal is finely poised.

Nigeria possess tournament know-how, depth, and defensive solidity.

Zambia have momentum, flair, and arguably the tournament’s most dangerous front two.

Expect a nervy but tactical affair. Nigeria’s midfield trio and improved bench strength might just tilt the balance.

Predicted score: Nigeria 2-1 Zambia

Soccernet.ng

Super Falcons head coach, Justin Madugu, has explained his plans for the Nigerian female team to score more goals in the WAFCON 2024 tournament after their group stage struggle, according to Soccernet.ng.

Nigeria scored three goals against Tunisia in their opening group game and an 89th minute strike from Chiwendu Ihezuo helped them to a win against Botswana in their second game.

The Super Falcons’ goalscoring problems was highlighted against Algeria as they mustered 24 shots on goal without finding the back of the net.

I asked coach Justin Madugu if he thinks the Super Falcons have a goal-scoring problem (because I think we do).

After the game Coach Madugu apologized for what was a rather lethargic performance from his side and promised they’ll work on how to fix their goalscoring problems against Zambia.

“Prior to this tournament, we’ve been playing games and we were scoring goals in a lot of them.

“In this tournament, goalscoring has become a challenge for us. We have to break things over and do a lot,” the 61-year-old said in an interview with Biola Solace-Chukwu.

“We have little time to be able to work on that, but it is an area that is becoming a source of concern and worry for us.

“The same players that were scoring before now are the same ones still playing, so, why they’re not getting the goals is something we have to look at and work on,” Justin Madugu concluded.

Nigeria will take on Zambia in three days at the Stade Larbi Zouli in Casablanca, Morocco. Kick-off is set for 5:00 WAT.

Super Falcons left winger, Omorinsola Ajike Babajide, has signed a two-year deal with Italian side, AS Roma Femminile.

The England-born attacker started her career with Crystal Palace before she moved on to Milwall Lionesses, and then to Watford, and then to Liverpool where she donned the number 20 jersey, similar to the deceased Diogo Jota.

After Liverpool, Rinsola moved to Spain where she played for Real Betis and most recently, UDG Tenerife. The 27-year-old announced her move to AS Roma on her official X account.

“Happy to finally announce that I’ve signed for AS Roma Femminile,” the Super Falcons wrote on her X page.

“I’m so excited to see what we can achieve together. Back in red and ready for this incredible new chapter.

“Grateful to God for guiding me through every step of this journey. My heart is full, especially having my mum beside me along the way.

“Can’t wait to get started & see you all. Proverbs 4:23.”

In her first interview with the club, Babajide revealed she’s honoured to play for a club of such magnitude.

“It’s an honour to join a team like this, to be honest. It’s a Champions League club, and a prestigious one at that, so I’m very happy to be here,” the fleet-footed winger told AS Roma Femminile.

“The Italian league is similar to the Spanish league. It’s very competitive, and everyone is technical, so I can’t wait to get started.

“Just being in Rome is precious, it’s an amazing experience, but even with the team, just bonding with the girls, securing Champions League Football, trying to win as much silverware in the league and for cup games.”

Quizzed about what she’ll bring to the team alongside her targets with AS Roma, the former Liverpool winger said;

“I’m more of a direct, speedy, technical player down the left. I love to beat my players one on one to cross the ball in as well as get some shots and goals in as well.

“Targets? Silverware. I feel like that’s the most important thing for the team as well. It is to win as much trophies as possible.

“Personally, I want to contribute towards the team as much as possible, more than I did last season,” Rinsola concluded.

In the meantime, Rinsola Babajide is focused on helping the Super Falcons achieve Mission X at the WAFCON 2024 tournament.

Soccernet.ng