WAFCON 2024 Q/Finals: Super Falcons ready for tough battle against ‘dangerous’ Copper Queens

From Harry Awurumibe,  Casablanca

In a few hours now, the top of the bill clash between Nigeria’s Super Falcons and  the Copper Queens of Zambia will hold today at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca in the first of the four quarter-final matches of the ongoing CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

It promises to be a fierce contest for the two of Africa’s most exciting, attacking, and ambitious women’s football nations, especially in recent times as both countries have been featuring prominently in international competitions including FIFA Women’s World Cup finals, Olympic Games and WAFCON.

However, before 2022, when Zambia piped hard-fighting Nigeria 1-0 in the Third Place match of the last WAFCON edition in Morocco, the Zambians were no match to nine-time African champions who have dominated the continent for the past 34 years when CAF organised the first FIFA Women’s World Cup African qualifiers in 1991.

Also, 27 years after CAF introduced the biennial women’s football tournament, Nigeria had walloped Zambia in previous WAFCON competitions, thrashing hapless Zambians 6-0 in 2014, and 4-0 in the 2018 editions respectively.

In the last three WAFCON matches, Nigeria won two times, drew none, and lost one while Zambia lost woefully to Nigeria twice, won one and drew none to give the Super Falcons an edge ahead of the Copper Queens going into today’s encounter.

Statistics showed that in the last five international matches played by Nigeria and Zambia coming to today’s match, Nigeria won three games against Botswana, Tunisia, and Ghana; drew two against Algeria and Ghana and has neither lost a match nor conceded a goal in five outings.

Zambia, however, has won two matches, drew two, and lost a match to South Africa while conceding seven goals in the process to show how porous Copper Queens’ defence has been in five matches.

The above scenario makes this decisive quarter-final clash in Casablanca, where a semi-final ticket, legacy, and continental bragging rights will be on the line, an interesting game even as Nigerian football fans at home and diaspora are eagerly anticipating total victory for Super Falcons in today’s make or mar match.

After a string of disappointing performances in the group stage, although the team did not lose a match, Nigerians are hoping their team will finally beat Zambia and go all the way to bring home the coveted trophy on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

Indeed, every Nigerian will be glued to their television screens and radios, cheering on the Super Falcons as they battle it out against Zambia’s Copper Queens.

The match promises to be an exciting encounter, with Nigeria looking to cement their continental dominance, and Zambia aiming to prove their recent success was no fluke.

Luckily, in the group stage, Nigeria’s Super Falcons dominated their opponents, finishing top of their group without conceding a single goal. Their solid defence and cohesive teamwork earned them maximum points, setting a strong foundation for their quarterfinal match.

Zambia, on the other hand, finished runners-up in Group A with seven points, showcasing their impressive attacking prowess and determination to make a deep run in the tournament. Zambia’s qualification for the quarterfinals was secured through their consistent performances, ultimately earning them a spot among the top eight teams.

 However, Zambia’s Barbra Banda, a professional player in the USA, has been unstoppable with three goals, alongside her teammate Racheal Kundananji, who has also scored three goals. The Super Falcons will need to be at their best to counter the threat posed by Banda and Kundananji.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s star player Asisat Oshoala faces intense scrutiny, with fans and pundits questioning her underwhelming performance so far. Can she rediscover her form and lead the Super Falcons to victory today ? Only time will tell.

But Nigeria’s Chinwendu Veronica Ihezuo, who plays her club football with Pachuca femine in Mexico has been impressive so far, scoring two crucial goals in the tournament. She will lead the attack line and will be supported from the flanks by rising star Rinsola Babajide from the left side of the pitch and old war-horse Francisca Ordega from the right side of the field.

Nigeria’s defence is rock-solid with ace defender Osinachi Ohale,  youthful Oluwatosin Demehin, Mitchell Alozie, and “Oyinbo Wall” Ashleigh Plumptre holding their own while the midfield trio of Deborah “Kante” Abiodun,  Captain Rasheedat Ajibade aka “Mama GO” and strong Christy Ucheibe or Halimat Ayinde will feed hungry forwards led by Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo or Asisat Lamina Oshoala if she starts.

The buzz around this match is electric. With so much at stake, this match promises to be an unforgettable encounter.

For the head coach, Justin Madugu, there is no second chance to make a first impression as he has everything going for him in terms of depth of the squad, coaching experience, technical assistance from qualified tactical coaches and above all, since he took charge of the Super Falcons in October 2024, he has won six international matches, drawn two and only lost 1-2 to France in nine games. His team scored 16 goals and conceded four.

He is in a good stead to grind out a win against Zambia’s Copper Queens today, no matter the scoreline.

Let’s Go Super Falcons !