All eyes are on Casablanca as two of Africa’s top women’s football teams, Nigeria and Zambia, battle for a spot in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Falcons, record champions of the tournament, are set to take on the fast-rising Copper Queens in what promises to be one of the most thrilling games of the quarterfinal stage.
With both teams eager to move one step closer to the trophy, today’s clash is expected to be nothing short of entertaining.
Nigeria will count on their deep squad and experience, while Zambia will look to continue their impressive form and cause an upset.
Head to Head (Super Falcons vs Copper Queens)
Historically, Nigeria has had the upper hand over Zambia.
The Super Falcon and the Copper Queens of Zambia have faced each other three times in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with the following head-to-head record:
- 2014 WAFCON (Group Stage): Nigeria defeated Zambia 6-0.
- 2018 WAFCON (Group Stage): Nigeria won 4-0.
- 2022 WAFCON (Third-Place Playoff): Zambia edged Nigeria 1-0, with the goal being an own goal by Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. This marked Zambia’s first-ever WAFCON medal.
Summary:
- Matches Played: 3
- Nigeria Wins: 2
- Zambia Wins: 1
- Goals Scored: Nigeria 10, Zambia 1 (Zambian goal via an own goal)
Prediction
Nigeria topped Group B with 7 points. They opened with a commanding 3-0 win over Tunisia and followed it with a narrow 1-0 victory over Botswana.
However, their final group match ended in a frustrating 0-0 draw with Algeria.
The Super Falcons kept clean sheets in all three games, showing defensive strength, but their wastefulness in front of goal has raised questions.
Zambia, on the other hand, finished second in Group A with the same number of points. They began with a 2-2 draw against hosts Morocco, edged Senegal 3-2 in a tight contest, and sealed qualification with a 1-0 win over DR Congo.
Zambia has scored six goals so far, showing they can find the net, but they’ve also conceded four times, leaving their defense open to pressure.
This will likely be a tight match. Nigeria has more experience and defensive strength, but Zambia’s firepower cannot be ignored. If Nigeria improves their finishing, they should win this one.
Predicted Score: Nigeria 3–1 Zambia
Predicted Lineup
Lineup Formation (4-3-3):
GK: Chiamaka Nnadozie
Defense: Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Ashleigh Plumptre, Tosin Demehin
Midfield: Halimatu Ayinde, Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini
Attack: Rasheedat Ajibade, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo
