₦airaland Forum

Nigeria vs Zambia
Date: Fri. 18yh July
Time: 5pm
Venue: Casablanca


https://www.cafonline.com/caf-womens-africa-cup-of-nations/schedule-results/

The super Falcons of Nigéria have qualified for the quarter finals of the 2024 WAFCON having topped group B with 7 points without conceding any defeat.

With the win they now set up a blackbuster
game with the Cooper queens of Zambia. Who came second in group A with 7 points but inferior goals to the table topers Morocco also on 7 points

Nigeria secured top spot in Group B of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday despite being frustrated in a 0-0 stalemate against second-placed Algeria, while Botswana kept their hopes of joining the duo in the quarter-finals alive with a 2-1 comeback win over Tunisia.

As a result, Nigeria will face Zambia in the quarter-finals in a clash of titans at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Friday.

Nigeria vs Zambia WAFCON Head to Head record

WAFCON 2024: Kundananji declares Zambia’s readiness for Super Falcons clash


Zambia forward, Rachel Kundananji has said the team is ready for battle against the Super Falcons of Nigeria, DAILY POST reports.


The Copper Queens finished second in Group A, and will take on Group B winners Nigeria, in the quarter-finals at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca on Friday.

Nora Häuptle’s side have impressed with their superb attacking style of play at the ongoing 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.


They are unbeaten so far in the competition with two wins, and one draw.

Kundananji, who plays for NWSL club, Bay FC have scored thrice for Zambia, and also won two Woman of the Match awards.

Ahead of the game with Nigeria, the elegant striker said they are not scared of facing the nine-time champions.


“We wanted to top the group, but unfortunately, we didn’t score enough goals. That said, we’re not bothered by our position we’re focused on the bigger goal,” Kundananji told FAZ Media.

The super Falcons are set to face thier biggest challenge at the WAFCON


Nigeria vs Zambia
Date: July 18, 2025 | Time: 17:00
Venue: Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca


2 Morocco vs Mali
Date: July 18, 2025 | Time: 20:00
Venue: Stade Olympique, Rabat


3. Algeria vs Ghana
Date: July 19, 2025 | Time: 17:00
Venue: Berkane Stadium, Berkane


4.South Africa vs Senegal
Date: July 19, 2025 | Time: 20:00
Venue: Stade de l’Honneur, Oujda


https://www.cafonline.com/caf-womens-africa-cup-of-nations/news/caf-women-s-africa-cup-of-nations-2024-it-s-quarterfinal-time/

The part to the finals is already set

If we overcome Zambia
Then we will likely meet South Africa in the semis
And it be silence South Africa
Then we will likely meet the Morocco in the finals

"Mission X". Can they do it again l

Let's go there

Top scorers at the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON24 after three group games:

🇲🇦 Ghizlane Chebbak of Morocco leads the Golden Boot race with 4 goals, tied with
🇸🇳 Mama Diop of Senegal, who also has 4 goals.

Who do you think will take home the Golden Boot?

Zambia, the Falcons' quarterfinal opponents, play in almost the same way, with one key difference. Unlike Botswana and Algeria they have two of the most dangerous strikers in world football.

Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji possess both the speed and the finishing to exploit and punish deep Nigeria forays upfront.

Madugu however, says he already has an antidote for Bandananji: "We have our strategies.

"We have watched them, we know what they can do, and we will work on how to neutralize whatever it is that we know is their strength. We are not too bothered about individual players.

Time and where to watch Nigeria vs Zambia
The game between Nigeria and Zambia will take place on Friday, July 18, 2025.


Time and where to watch the Super Falcons of Nigeria take on the Copper Queens of Zambia in a WAFCON quarterfinal clash.

The game will kick off at 5 PM Nigerian time.

It will be available on DSTV Supersport, Afrosport and SABC Sport.

“We have a great respect for Nigeria 🇳🇬 but we are not scared of them”

BARBRA BANDA🇿🇲

Let's go there...



Time and where to watch
the Super Falcons of Nigeria take on the Copper Queens of Zambia in a WAFCON quarterfinal clash.

The game will kick off at 5 PM Nigerian time.

Nigeria vs Zambia - Veteran Giants Meet Rising Force in Blockbuster Quarterfinal
Published: Friday, 18 July 2025

Two of Africa’s most exciting and ambitious women’s football nations, Nigeria and Zambia are set for a decisive clash in the quarterfinals of the 2024 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Friday in Casablanca.

A fierce contest awaits at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, where a semifinal ticket, legacy, and continental bragging rights will be on the line.

It’s a rivalry that has grown in intensity over recent years, and with both sides bringing unbeaten group stage form, this quarterfinal promises to be one of the highlights of the tournament.



Route to the Quarterfinals: Unbeaten and Unrelenting

Both Nigeria and Zambia arrive in the last eight with their confidence intact following strong group-stage performances.

Nigeria topped Group B with seven points, kicking off with a commanding 3-0 win over Tunisia, followed by a gritty 1-0 win over Botswana, and a goalless draw against Algeria. The Super Falcons are yet to concede a goal in the competition — a testament to their discipline and structure under head coach Justin Madugu.



“Our preparations have been good. As usual, we are already aware of the game tomorrow — a quarterfinal against Zambia. We’ve been trying as much as possible to make sure that the girls are ready,” Madugu said. “Preparations are okay.”

Zambia, on the other hand, impressed in Group A, finishing second only to hosts Morocco on goal difference with seven points. The Copper Queens battled to a 2-2 draw against the Atlas Lionesses, followed it up with a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Senegal, and sealed qualification with a 1-0 victory over DR Congo.



Coach Hauptle expressed confidence in her squad’s evolution and readiness:
“I am happy to have had these days to prepare for the quarterfinal. I think my team is ready for the next stage. We moved down to Casablanca yesterday excited and prepared for tomorrow’s game.”

Squad News: Key Absentees and Returns

Both sides will be without a key attacking option due to injury.

For Zambia, Xiomara Mapepa will miss the encounter due to a fitness setback, but the Southern Africans will welcome back midfield dynamo Grace Chanda following suspension — a timely boost to their creativity and drive in midfield.

“We will be with 20 players tomorrow,” Hauptle confirmed. “We released one home due to medical condition. Grace Chanda is back from her suspension. We are willing to play the match and go beyond to penalties.”



Nigeria will miss Malawian-Nigerian forward Chioma Okafor, who is ruled out due to a hand injury sustained in training. According to Madugu, “The doctors gave a medical advice based on the operation that was done on her hand that she can’t use it to play any game till after 12 days. It would not be wise to go against that.”

However, the Super Falcons will see Deborah Abiodun return to the fold after serving her one-match suspension — an addition that boosts midfield steel and ball progression.



Renewed Rivalry: A Shift in the Power Balance?

Nigeria’s dominance in WAFCON history is well documented, with a record nine titles and emphatic wins over Zambia in previous editions — including a 6-0 win in 2014 and 4-0 in 2018. But the Copper Queens flipped the script in 2022, edging Nigeria 1-0 in the third-place match — a symbolic win that underscored their arrival among the continent’s best.

Coach Madugu, who was on Nigeria’s technical crew during all three previous encounters, remains respectful but focused: “We cannot take away the fact that Zambia are a good team, but they are not unbeatable. The girls are in high spirits and fully ready for them. They, too, are very uncomfortable coming up against us.”



Zambia captain Barbra Banda — absent during the 2018 and 2022 clashes — is relishing the opportunity to lead her side in this edition.

“2018 and 2022 are in the past. What we are focusing on is what we have now,” she said. “It’s going to be an interesting game. This is Africa, and football here is different from the States. It’s going to be competitive and at the end of the day, one team will win.”

Plumptre vs Banda Headlines Star-Studded Cast

This quarterfinal brings together some of the finest talents in African women’s football.

Nigeria’s Ashleigh Plumptre, one of only two Super Falcons named in the Group Stage Best XI, has marshaled a backline yet to concede a goal.

“Preparations are going well. Everyone is in good spirits. The atmosphere in camp is calm and exciting,” said Plumptre, who also spoke on Zambia’s threats. “Zambia have a good attacking line and we respect that. We prepare for the whole team and not just a few players.”



On facing Banda: “I don’t know her personally, but I remember the gender verification backlash she faced. I have a lot of respect for her. She had to silence everyone and perform with a smile on her face. I really look forward to coming up against her.”

Banda, who has scored in every group match, remains Zambia’s talisman.“Honestly, I am not carrying any pressure with me. It’s just motivation to work extra hard. Meeting Oshoala is great motivation for me. I give her much respect.”

Tactics and Mindset: Calm Structure vs Controlled Chaos

Madugu’s ladies have shown defensive solidity and tactical discipline.
“We all defend as one and attack as one,” Plumptre noted. “We are proud to have gone through the group stage without conceding.”



Still, the Super Falcons coach admits finishing has been a concern.
“We’ve been trying to improve our goal conversion. These things take time; it’s not magical. But I trust the girls will make an impact.”

Zambia’s approach is fast, fearless, and fluid.
“Our transition is one of the best in the world,” said Hauptle. “Defenders struggle when we challenge them with speed.”

She also stressed belief in team unity and mentality: “We don’t look too much at the opponent but focus on our strengths. We believe in unity and love — that’s what drives us.”

What’s at Stake: More Than Just a Semifinal Spot

Nigeria’s ambitions are clear: reclaim the WAFCON title and reassert their dominance. But Madugu maintains a grounded outlook.
“We all believe in God and destiny. Even when we came fourth in 2022, it was never the plan. But our mindset is about winning — and that is what we are going for.”



Zambia, meanwhile, are determined to go beyond their 2022 bronze finish and prove their progress is sustainable.

“We conceded from set pieces in the group stage, so we are working on that,” Hauptle noted. “We won’t allow Nigeria to keep the initiative. On Friday, we will show what we can do.”

For Plumptre, individual accolades pale in comparison to team success: “I was surprised to be named in the Best XI. It’s a reflection of the entire team. I just hope we can carry those performances into the next round.”

Kickoff: Friday, July 19, 2024
Venue: Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca
Winner: Advances to the semifinals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations


Mynd44 mukina2 honeric01
Source. CAF Online

What the coaches are saying

Zambia coach:
Nora Hauptle


" we are here to hunt. We respect that Nigeria is a several-time winner of this tournament. I think they are the favourites in this game, but I can assure you that my team is very hungry; we are here to hunt.”

What the coaches are saying

Nigeria coach:
Justine Madugu


"We know that Zambia have really good attacking threats and we respect that and we have prepared for that. We don’t prepare for two players, we prepare for Zambia as a whole.”

Nigeria’s ambitions are clear: reclaim the WAFCON title and reassert their dominance.

Noted.


Congratulations to the winer in advance.


Nairaland Forum New Post

I wish the team all the best. They will win the cup for Nigeria.

We're supposed to believe that this person below is female?

I hope Nigeria play a nice football with good result, am here hoping for the best from the super falcon.......



Go girlssss

Go girls. We're strongly behind you. Oshoala shouldn't start

dominique:
We're supposed to believe that this person below is female?

Madam....na woman like you oooo

Dem don talk this matter tire....

Babra na woman. If she no be woman, why be say na only 1 goal dem score versus Congo.

If Babra was a man or trans, that advantage shoud be glaring to see. 17 shots on goal only 4 on target.

Banda is a man! Regardless,Super Falcons will triumph.

Come to think of it.

These Zambians are not as deadly as they claim to be.

They struggled for dominance in their first 2 games. Against Morocc, they were almost non existent in the match.

The trick to keeping Babra and Racheal at bay is to dominate possessions over Zambia. Cut off supply to them at all cost.

And for goodness sakes, our girls should take their chances. Because if they don't Zambia will take theirs.

And that is where this game will be won or lost. The team that makes best use of their chances will emerge victorious.

I expect the falcons to dominate play. What I worry about is them finding the net.

robosky02:
WAFCON 2024: Kundananji declares Zambia’s readiness for Super Falcons clash


Zambia forward, Rachel Kundananji has said the team is ready for battle against the Super Falcons of Nigeria, DAILY POST reports.


The Copper Queens finished second in Group A, and will take on Group B winners Nigeria, in the quarter-finals at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca on Friday.

Nora Häuptle’s side have impressed with their superb attacking style of play at the ongoing 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.


They are unbeaten so far in the competition with two wins, and one draw.

Kundananji, who plays for NWSL club, Bay FC have scored thrice for Zambia, and also won two Woman of the Match awards.

Ahead of the game with Nigeria, the elegant striker said they are not scared of facing the nine-time champions.


“We wanted to top the group, but unfortunately, we didn’t score enough goals. That said, we’re not bothered by our position we’re focused on the bigger goal,” Kundananji told FAZ Media.

A team that wants to top a group must know how to dominate play. The only team Zambia dominated was Congo. They were non existent against Morocco. Senegal had more of the ball than them.

I am sure Nigeria will get like 25 shots aganist Zambia. If Nigeria can manage to point 10 of those shots on target, Zambia keeper go hear wen

Zambi's keeper is a very weak. I hope Falcons can try to pepper her net well.

robosky02:
Nigeria vs Zambia
Date: Fri. 18yh July
Time: 5pm
Venue: Casablanca


https://www.cafonline.com/caf-womens-africa-cup-of-nations/schedule-results/

Good that so many big girls were dropped

Great move by the coach. Only fit players should start

dominique:
We're supposed to believe that this person below is female?

She is now...so soft. so mindful. very demure

ssssss

If I watch this match, make I bend.......ajeh!

Zambia will win this game by 10 nil. Yes! You heard me!

Link to watch please


Please take a moment to write a quality post with at least 40 characters.

Unfortunately, Nigeria will not be at the next world cup for first time because they will lose to Zambia today

Not being negative but bitter truth

What a goooooaaaal! Let the floodgates open.

Dem go chop am full basket today 🤣