Nigeria aims to get their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign back on track today as they take on Zambia in a crucial Group C matchup at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca. The Super Falcons enter this game following a surprise 3-2 loss to Malawi, a match where coach Justin Madugu’s team failed to neutralize the offensive threat posed by the Chawinga sisters.
The task for Nigeria will not get any easier against a formidable Zambia team led by forward Barbra Banda. Banda recently delivered an impressive performance by netting four goals during Zambia’s 6-0 victory over Egypt. Furthermore, Zambia is eager to settle the score following a crushing 5-0 loss to the Super Falcons in the previous year’s WAFCON quarter-finals.
While Nigeria remains the most decorated nation in the tournament with 10 titles, this upcoming fixture serves as a major test of the changing competitive landscape in African women’s football. With the top two teams from each group moving into the quarter-finals, both nations are desperate for points to secure their path forward. The tournament’s four semi-finalists will earn direct entry into the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while those knocked out in the quarter-finals will head to play-offs for the final qualification spots.
