Super Falcons aim for victory against Zambia's Copper Queens

Cup-holders Nigeria are ready to get back on track with a win over Zambia in their second Group C match at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco on Saturday. The 10-time champions were shocked 3-2 by debutants Malawi in their opening match in Rabat on Tuesday. This result surprised many in women’s football around the world.

After a goalless first half, Malawi took a two-goal lead. Then, three goals were scored in added time. Nigeria netted two goals, and Malawi added one more, marking a dream start for the southern Africans at Africa’s top women’s football tournament.

On Saturday, at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, kick-off is set for 22:00. The Falcons want to show their opponents that they are still the best in Africa. They can only do this with a good result against the Copper Queens.

But this will be a tough match. Zambia currently leads Group C on goal difference after thrashing Egypt 6-0 in their opening game. They have one of the most dangerous strikers in women’s football, Barbara Banda, along with Rachael Kundananji and Grace Chanda.

Zambia has three points from their first match, and Malawi also has three points. Nigeria and Egypt are yet to score. A win for Zambia would send them into the quarter-finals with a game to spare.

For the Super Falcons and many Nigerian football fans, it is hard to believe that Africa’s most successful team could miss the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil. They have been at every World Cup since it began in China in 1991.

Only a solid result against Zambia will keep their hopes alive. The top four teams at this year’s WAFCON will qualify automatically for the World Cup.

Both teams have unfinished business. In 2022, the Copper Queens stopped the Super Falcons from winning a medal in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. They beat Nigeria in the third-place match. Last year, Nigeria got their revenge, defeating Zambia by five goals in a quarter-final match.

Zambia, coached by Nora Häuptle, also wants to improve on their bronze medal finish from the 2022 edition, which was under the late coach Bruce Mwape.