Nigeria will look to revive their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title defence when they face Zambia in a pivotal Group C encounter at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca today.
The Super Falcons suffered one of the biggest upsets of the tournament in their opening match, falling 3-2 to Malawi despite entering the competition as defending champions. Justin Madugu’s side struggled to contain Malawi’s attack, with sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga inspiring the victory.
The challenge facing Nigeria becomes even tougher against a confident Zambia side spearheaded by Barbra Banda. The Orlando Pride forward produced a sensational display in Zambia’s 6-0 demolition of Egypt, scoring four goals.
Today’s meeting also offers Zambia an opportunity for revenge after their heavy 5-0 defeat to Nigeria in last year’s WAFCON quarter-finals.
Nigeria remain the benchmark in African women’s football, having won the continental title 10 times.
With qualification for the knockout stage at stake, the clash between two of Africa’s strongest sides could provide another indication of the shifting balance of power in the women’s game.
The top two teams in each group will advance to the quarter-finals. The tournament’s four semi-finalists will secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the losing quarter-finalists will compete in play-offs for the remaining inter-confederation qualification places.
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