Nigeria’s Super Falcons will look to continue their ‘Mission X’ , a 10th continental title, when they face Zambia’s Copper Queens in a highly anticipated quarterfinal clash today.
Nine-time champions Nigeria and emerging power Zambia clash at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium from 5pm Morocco time (same as in Nigeria) in a match that promises a lot of firecrackers, and could have extensive ramifications for the architecture of authority of African women football.
Aside from the semifinal ticket, also at stake in today’s quarterfinal clash is Three Hundred Thousand US Dollar ($300 000) prize for semifinal spot following the 100% increase in the prize money of the winner of the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Morocco 2024. Both Nigeria and Zambia have already pocketed Two Hundred Thousand US Dollar ($200, 000) for reaching the quarterfinal and will seek to advance the prize benefit to $300, 000 when they face-off later today at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium 5pm Morocco time (same as in Nigeria).
Nigeria, the tournament’s most decorated side, advanced from Group B as leaders with seven points, securing victories over Tunisia (3–0) and Botswana (1–0), and playing to a goalless draw with Algeria.
While they’ve maintained a perfect defensive record, concerns linger over their finishing—highlighted by their 24-shot performance against Algeria that yielded just two shots on target.
Zambia, on the other hand, emerged as runners-up in Group A, showcasing an attacking flair throughout the group stage. They began with a 2–2 draw against hosts Morocco, edged Senegal 3–2, and closed with a narrow 1–0 win over DR Congo, demonstrating both resilience and attacking momentum.
Today’s meeting between the two sides marks their fourth encounter in the history of the competition, with Nigeria enjoying upper hands in all the previous three meetings, winning 6-0 in 2014, 4-0 in 2018, and 1-0 in 2022. The Zambian ladies are now one of the strongest teams in Africa, with star players like Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji, the Copper Queens will be a tough opponent
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Super Falcons’ head coach, Justine Madugu, said his girls are mentally, psychologically and tactically ready to confront Zambia’s Copper Queens.
“We are working on our strategies offensively and defensively, having watched Zambia play and having taken note of their strengths and weaknesses individually and collectively. We know the key players of Zambia that are being mentioned and the threats they can pose if they are given opportunities, so we have spoken to the players that they must be fully-ready.
“There will be no room for errors. We must be alert at all times and have self-belief and confidence, and be motivated to achieve victory as we get close to the accomplishment of Mission X.“
Victory in today’s match will steer the Super Falcons closer to a 10th continental title since the Women Africa Cup of Nations was launched as the African Women Championship in 1998, and re-establish the Nigerian girls as the team to beat anytime women national team football is mentioned on the continent.
The winner of the match between Nigeria and Zambia will progress to the semi finals to confront the winner of the encounter between Cup holders South Africa and Senegal. On the other side of the draw are the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco (who are also ambitious, dedicated, well-organized and fearless) and the never-to-be-underrated Lady Fennecs of Algeria.
