By Adegboyega Adeleye
The Super Falcons face a defining moment in their quest for a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title when they take on Zambia in a crucial Group C encounter on Saturday.
Nigeria’s title defence suffered an unexpected setback after a shock 3-2 defeat to WAFCON debutants Malawi in their opening game, ending the Super Falcons’ long-standing unbeaten record against tournament newcomers and leaving Justin Madugu’s side with little margin for error.
The defeat has intensified the pressure on the defending champions, who must now avoid another slip if they are to keep their hopes of retaining the continental crown—and securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil—alive.
Standing in their way are a confident Zambia side fresh from a ruthless 6-0 demolition of Egypt, inspired by captain Barbra Banda, who announced herself as one of the tournament’s early stars with four goals.
The Copper Queens also have added motivation after Nigeria eliminated them 5-0 in last year’s WAFCON quarter-finals on the way to lifting a record 10th title.
While Nigeria remain Africa’s most successful women’s national team with 10 WAFCON titles (12 including the 1991 and 1995 editions before the tournament’s official expansion), Saturday’s clash offers another opportunity to prove they can respond like champions after adversity.
Preview
Head coach Justin Madugu has already urged his players to put the Malawi defeat behind them, insisting the group stage still offers enough opportunity to revive their campaign.
Nigeria will once again rely on experienced names including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Jennifer Echegini, Christy Ucheibe, Esther Okoronkwo, Deborah Abiodun, Toni Payne and six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala as they seek a vital victory.
Zambia, meanwhile, arrive full of confidence after their emphatic opening victory. Led by Banda, the Copper Queens are hoping to finally turn the tables on Nigeria and strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stage.
With only the top two teams in each group guaranteed quarter-final places, defeat would leave Nigeria’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread ahead of their final group game against Egypt.
Date, time and venue
The WAFCON Group C match between Nigeria and Zambia will be played on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
The game will take place at Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca, Morocco.
Kick-off is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Nigerian time (WAT).
Where to watch
Fans in Nigeria can watch the match live on AfroSport and SuperSport.
The game will also be streamed live on CAF TV’s official YouTube channel, subject to regional broadcast restrictions.
A victory would revive Nigeria’s quest for a record-extending 11th WAFCON title and boost their hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals, while another defeat could leave the Super Falcons facing an early exit from the tournament for the first time in their history.
Fixture: Nigeria vs Zambia
Competition: 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)
Group: Group C
Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
Venue: Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca, Morocco
Kick-off: 9:00 p.m. Nigerian time (WAT)
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