Nine-time champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons take on Zambia in what promises to be a thrilling Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarterfinal clash at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Friday evening.

For the Super Falcons, it’s about cementing continental dominance. For the Copper Queens, it’s about proving their bronze-medal run in 2022 was no fluke.

After an efficient if unspectacular group campaign, Nigeria will look to shift into top gear, while Zambia, led by the explosive duo of Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, are eager to break barriers.

Zambia star and reigning Africa Footballer of the Year (Women), Barbra Banda

How they got here: Nigeria vs Zambia

Nigeria progressed to the quarterfinals as winners of Group B, picking up seven points without conceding a single goal.

The Falcons started brightly with a 3-0 win over Tunisia, laboured to a 1-0 win over Botswana, and rounded off with a cagey 0-0 draw against Algeria. The former champions have looked solid defensively but questions remain about their attacking cohesion.

Zambia, meanwhile, finished runners-up in Group A, level on seven points with hosts Morocco but edged into second on goal difference.

The Copper Queens began with a 2-2 draw against Morocco, twice taking the lead before being pegged back.

A thrilling 3-2 win over Senegal followed before they ground out a narrow 1-0 victory over DR Congo. Banda and Kundananji have scored all six of Zambia’s goals so far – a two-woman wrecking crew.

WAFCON pedigree

Nigeria’s resume at WAFCON is unrivalled: 12 tournaments, 9 titles, and never a semifinal miss. Their aura still looms large.

In contrast, Zambia’s story is a tale of steady progression.

After group stage exits in 2014 and 2018, they made history by clinching bronze in 2022 – including their first-ever win over Nigeria. The Copper Queens are no longer minnows.

Head to head: Super Falcons vs Copper Queens

This will be the fourth WAFCON meeting between Nigeria and Zambia.

Nigeria demolished the Copper Queens 6-0 in 2014 and followed that with a 4-0 rout in 2018.

Super Falcons celebrate a goal vs Tunisia. Photo by IMAGO

But Zambia stunned the Falcons with a 1-0 win in the third-place playoff of 2022 – albeit via a Nigerian own goal credited to goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. No Zambian player has ever scored against Nigeria in this tournament, yet they will take heart from that victory.

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Team news

Esther Okoronkwo, despite being Nigeria’s most influential player off the bench, has yet to start. This may be the game coach Justin Madugu finally unleashes her from the off.

Super Falcons star Esther Okoronkwo. Photo by IMAGO

Chinwendu Ihezuo leads Nigeria’s scoring chart with two goals, while Asisat Oshoala – though fit – is struggling for rhythm and is likely to make way.

Midfielder Deborah Abiodun returns from suspension and is expected to slot back into a midfield anchored by Halimatu Ayinde and PSG’s Jennifer Echegini, who dazzled against Algeria.

At the back, Ashleigh Plumptre and Osinachi Ohale have been rock solid, shielding the ever-reliable Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Nigeria Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala. Photo by IMAGO

Zambia will stick with their trusted formula: Banda and Kundananji up front, with the rest of the team tasked with keeping things tight behind them.

Possible lineup

Nigeria’s predicted XI (4-3-3):
Nnadozie; Alozie, Ohale, Demehin, Plumptre; Abiodun, Ayinde, Echegini; Ajibade, Ihezuo, Okoronkwo

Zambia’s predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Musole; Nachula, Maluba, Mweemba, Tembo; Lungu, Wilombe; Chilufya, Chanda, Kundananji; Banda

What are they saying?

Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu:

“We have our strategies, we have watched them severally, and we know what they can do. We’ll work on how to neutralise their strength, so we’re not too bothered by the individual players.

‘We know how good they are, but we’re not bothered. We are getting ready for each game, and we’ll have an antidote on the matchday.”