A fierce battle awaits at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Morocco by 5:00 PM Nigeria time, where a semifinal spot, legacy, and continental pride will be up for grabs. Veteran giants Nigeria will lock horns with hot‑firing Zambia in a high‑stakes clash for a place in the last four.
Here, we preview the game, examining both teams’ performances in the group stage, team news and suspensions, and what each coach is saying ahead of the knockout tie.
ZAMBIA’S ROAD TO THE QUARTERFINAL
The Copper Queens have entered the competition as strong contenders. In their tournament opener in Rabat, Zambia battled hosts Morocco to a 2–2 draw. Racheal Kundananji put Zambia ahead early, only for Ibtissam Jraidi to level from the spot ten minutes later. Zambia responded through captain Barbra Banda, but Morocco struck late via Ghizlane Chebbak to grab a point. The draw reaffirmed Zambia’s attacking depth.
On matchday two in Mohammedia, Zambia overcame a 1–0 deficit to defeat Senegal 3–2. After Nguenar Ndiaye’s early opener, Banda equalised in the 12th minute. Kundananji struck in the 51st minute to put Zambia ahead, and Banda added her second in the 73rd minute. Senegal pulled one back from the penalty spot, but Zambia held on for a vital win.
In their final group fixture, Zambia sealed qualification with a 1–0 victory over DR Congo. The only goal came in the ninth minute from a brilliantly taken free‑kick by Kundananji. Zambia remained composed to protect their lead and secure all three points.
Kundananji scored in all three group games and was instrumental in their creative play. Banda also shone, scoring twice against Senegal and creating several chances. Their chemistry up front has been vital to Zambia’s success.
With seven points and a +2 goal difference, Zambia finished second in Group A, narrowly edged out by hosts Morocco. Their unbeaten run shows strong form and growing confidence. Now, the Copper Queens head into the quarter‑final against Nigeria with belief and momentum.
NIGERIA’S ROAD TO THE QUARTERFINAL
Nine‑time African champions Nigeria began their “Mission X” campaign at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca with a statement 3–0 win over Tunisia. Veteran striker Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a powerful header. Rinsola Babajide doubled the lead just before halftime after a VAR review. Substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo sealed the victory in the 84th minute.
Nigeria’s second group match against Botswana was a close affair. The deadlock was broken in the 89th minute when Ihezuo tapped in from an Esther Okoronkwo assist to secure a 1–0 win and qualification with a game to spare.
In Nigeria’s final group match, Nigeria rotated heavily and were held to a goalless draw by Algeria. Despite many scoring opportunities, they could not break through goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi’s defence. The draw was enough to top Group B with seven points, scoring four and conceding none.
Standout performers included Oshoala, who scored her 14th WAFCON goal, Babajide, Ihezuo and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who kept three clean sheets. Under coach Justin Madugu, Nigeria’s discipline and structure were evident in their defence and tactical organisation.
Nigeria finished Group B with two wins, one draw, and a +4 goal difference. Undefeated, the Super Falcons head into the quarter‑final confident, their shut‑out streak a clear sign of strength at both ends of the pitch.
WHAT THE COACHES ARE SAYING
Zambia coach Nora Hauptle said at the pre‑match conference, “I am happy to have had these days to prepare for the quarter‑final. I think my team is ready for the next stage. We moved down to Casablanca yesterday excited and prepared for tomorrow’s (today) game.”
Nigeria coach Justin Madugu commented, “Our preparations have been good. As usual, we are already aware of the game tomorrow—a quarter‑final against Zambia. We’ve been trying as much as possible to make sure that the girls are ready. Preparations are okay.”
INJURIES AND SUSPENSIONS
Zambia will miss key attacker Xiomara Mapepa due to fitness concerns. While she has not featured yet in the competition, her absence removes an option from the frontline. Zambia will welcome back midfield engine Grace Chanda from suspension. Hauptle confirmed, “We will have 20 players tomorrow. We released one home due to a medical condition. Grace Chanda is back from her suspension. We are willing to play the match and go beyond to penalties.”
Nigeria will be without Chioma Okafor, ruled out due to a hand injury sustained in training. Madugu explained, “The doctors advised based on the operation done on her hand that she cannot play until after 12 days.” Okafor’s absence removes a dynamic option, prompting reliance on Oshoala, Babajide and Ihezuo up front.
On the bright side, midfielder Deborah Abiodun returns from suspension. Known for her tenacity and ball-winning ability, Abiodun’s presence adds grit and balance to midfield.
PREDICTION
When the teams last met at WAFCON, Zambia edged Nigeria 1–0 in the 2022 third‑place playoff as they secured bronze. Zambia have since improved better, as shown by their performance and Olympic qualification. The game promises to test Nigeria’s resolute defence against Zambia’s attack duo of Kundananji and Banda. The key question: how many goals can Nigeria prevent, and how many can they score?
We predict a 2‑1 victory in favour of Nigeria.