The Super Falcons will want to stop the Nigerians from making the final four of the competition for the first time when they face Zambia in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The third-place match at the 2022 edition of the championship was recreated in the Friday blockbuster game. The Super Falcons were defeated by the Zambians in that year, guaranteeing that Nigeria would not finish on a podium.
With seven points, Nigeria advanced to the quarter-finals of the competition. Before drawing with Algeria, they first won their first two games.
The 2018 WAFCON winners have scored no goals in three games this year, demonstrating an unquestionable defensive record in Morocco. They have been unimpressive in front of goal, enjoying the majority of possession in games but being unable to make that count, in part because their defense is water-tight.
[WAFCON 2024] Nigeria’s Super Falcons fight Botswana in the Eye Quarter-Final Berth.In their final group game against Algeria, Nigeria had 24 shots on target, with only two of those coming.
The Copper Queens, however, have one of the tournament’s deadliest attacks, unlike their foes. They scored six goals to place them second in Group A, earning both analysts and fans praise.
However, the third-place finishers in 2022 have conceded three goals so far, a flaw that the Super Falcons would like to exploit.
Watch the matches between Zambia and Nigeria on ESPN.
The Super Falcons display a mix of young and experienced players, as is customary for multiple-time champions.
Even though Asisat Oshoala has received criticism for her performance in Morocco, she is one to watch for her one goal so far in the competition. If Nigeria wants to beat Zambia on Friday, the six-time African Women’s Player of the Year must rise to the occasion.
Forward Chinwendu Ihezuo is another player worth watching in addition to her. The Pachuca striker has scored twice, including the late winner against Botswana, in the search for the Golden Boot.
When the game begins at Casablanca, Morocco’s Stade Larbi Zaouli, she will be relying on her to perform the same magic.
Given their pace, strength, and finishing ability, the trio of Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, who have three goals each, will be a struggle for the Nigerian defense.
The women’s player of the year award is currently held by Banda. In the women’s continental competition, her pairing with Kundananji has become one of the most feared attacking pairs so far.
Head-to-Head Record for Zambia and Nigeria
Nigeria and the Copper Queens have faced off three times at the WAFCON. In the group stage, the Super Falcons defeated them 6-0 in 2014 before a 4-0 defeat in Ghana in 2018. The Southern Africans, however, won the bronze medal game with a 1-0 victory over their rivals in 2022 with the final laugh.
Match Details: Zambia vs. Nigeria (WAFCON)
Game: Zambia vs. Nigeria
Date: Friday, July 18, 2025
Time: 5: 00 pm (Nigeria/WAT time)
Source: Channels TV
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