Two of Africa’s most consistent women’s national teams clash in a blockbuster WAFCON 2024 quarterfinal as Nigeria take on Zambia at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Thursday, July 18.
Fresh from a friendly victory tour, the Super Falcons, nine-time African champion, topped Group B with a near-perfect record: two wins, one draw, and no goals conceded. They now aim to reach the semi-finals for a record-extending 13th time, having never failed to do so at WAFCON.
Zambia, meanwhile, advanced as Group C runners-up, behind South Africa, earning two wins and a draw. With Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji leading the line, the Copper Queens are determined to match their 2022 semifinal run, or even go a step further.
TITLE HUNTERS COLLIDE
Under interim head coach Justine Madugu, Nigeria have looked composed and efficient. They beat Tunisia 3–0, edged Botswana 1–0, and drew 0–0 with Algeria, all without conceding. Goals have come from Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and Chinwendu Ihezuo, while Chiamaka Nnadozie has anchored a defence now unbeaten at the 2024 WAFCON.
Zambia’s story is different, high-intensity starts and clinical finishing. They edged DR Congo 1–0, outscored Senegal 3–2, and drew 2–2 with hosts Morocco. Four of their six goals came inside the first 15 minutes, an early warning Nigeria can’t afford to ignore.
A FAMILIAR RIVALRY
This will be the fourth WAFCON meeting between Nigeria and Zambia. The Super Falcons have dominated past encounters, winning 6–0 in 2014 and 4–0 in 2018. But Zambia made history in their last clash, edging Nigeria 1–0 in the 2022 third-place playoff, their first-ever result against the Falcons at the tournament.
While no Zambian player has scored from open play against Nigeria at WAFCON, the Copper Queens are a team on the rise: 2022 semifinalists, 2023 World Cup debutants, and now Olympic-bound for Paris 2024. Nigeria, meanwhile, remain the benchmark, 12-time semifinalists and nine-time champions.
DEFENCE VS FIREPOWER
Nigeria’s Defensive Strength Faces Zambia’s Explosive Attack in WAFCON Quarterfinal
This quarterfinal could hinge on Nigeria’s solid defence against Zambia’s explosive attack. Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji have scored all of Zambia’s goals so far, posing the biggest threat Nigeria’s backline has faced. But the Super Falcons remain the tournament’s most disciplined defence, anchored by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and a midfield led by Halimatu Ayinde.
They are supported by key defenders such as Ashleigh Plumptre, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Osinachi Ohale, along with strong bench options like Christy Ucheibe.
Zambia have been more clinical in front of goal, converting six of 16 shots on target (19.35%) compared to Nigeria’s four from 15 (8.51%).
MATCH DETAILS
Match: Nigeria vs Zambia
Date: Thursday, July 18, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM (WAT)
Venue: Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca
Referee: Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco)
WHAT THEY SAY
Justin Madugu (Nigeria head coach):
“Our mindset the preparation and everything is about winning and that s what we are going for. I can not determine the number of goals that will be scored in this game but for you to win a match, you have to score goals.”
Nora Häuptle (Zambia head coach):
“Nigeria they have very good players, in the tournament they probably have the best squad, but what we have is unity love for each other, we have this cohesion in our team and we have this deep hunger, the players we’re going to hunt on friday.”
HOW TO WATCH
Nigeria vs Zambia will be available to watch on multiple platforms. For cable TV subscribers in Nigeria, the game will be live on SuperSport, while BeIN Sports will offer global streaming access
FINAL WORD
Nigeria have passed every test so far and will start as favourites, but Zambia bring pace, power, and a fearless spirit.
With a semifinal berth on the line, this one has all the ingredients for a WAFCON classic. For both nations, it’s more than a match — it’s a statement.
