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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.

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)

Former Nigerian international player and former Super Eagles coach, Monday Sinclair, passed away in a profound manner, according to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). His passing is a significant blow to the country’s football community.

Sinclair, who was well-known for his mastery of the game, passed away on Wednesday evening, leaving behind a legacy that affected grassroots and elite football development in Nigeria.

NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, expressed his condolences on Thursday in a message on his behalf: “We mourn deeply with the immediate family, friends, and relatives of ‘Professor’ Monday Sinclair’s demise. Another depressing day for Nigerian football.

Our prayer is that God will stop the sorrow and grief that plague our sport and society as a whole. We pray that the Almighty will grant the late Sinclair rest and the strength to bear the heavy loss that he has left behind, including the coaching fraternity.

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After gaining independence, Sinclair spent a few years playing for the senior national team of Nigeria before transitioning to coaching, where he became famous for nurturing young talent and promoting an exciting, fluid style of football.

In addition to the late goalkeeper Peter Rufai, the defensive linebacker Taribo West, and the striker Finidi George, his influence had a significant impact on the development of several former Super Eagles stars.

Following the departure of Frenchman Philippe Troussier after Nigeria received a World Cup qualification in 1998, Sinclair was appointed interim head coach of the Super Eagles.

In addition to his distinctive teaching methods, charisma, and dedication to the game, Sinclair also coached a number of Nigerian clubs, most notably the Sharks of Port Harcourt.

Arsenal signed Canada forward Olivia Smith from Liverpool in a deal worth a reported women’s world record fee of £1 million ($1.3 million) on Thursday.

Smith has joined the Champions League holders on a lucrative four-year contract.

The 20-year-old’s transfer surpassed the previous women’s record set when Chelsea signed Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave for £900,000 in January.

“It’s my dream to compete for the biggest titles here in England and in Europe and I’m excited to get started and contribute to doing that here with Arsenal,” Smith said.

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Smith moved to Liverpool from Portugal’s Sporting for just £200,000 in 2024, scoring seven goals in 20 Women’s Super League games.

Liverpool are understood to have accepted the record offer after rejecting several bids for Smith, who made her Canada debut aged 15 in 2019.

Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers said: “Olivia is an exciting young player and we believe she can make a big contribution here at Arsenal.

“We’ve been impressed by her mentality and character, excelling in two European leagues at such a young age.”

Croatia captain Luka Modric said Wednesday he had penned a one-year contract with AC Milan to “stay competitive and in Europe”.

“I’m happy to be here and I look forward to a new adventure,” the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner told AC Milan’s TV channel after joining from Real Madrid.

Modric, who turns 40 in September, joined the Spanish giants from Tottenham in 2012, going on to win six Champions Leagues, four La Liga titles, and two Copa del Rey trophies.

“I wanted to stay in Europe, to continue playing competitive football. I had some other offers, but when Milan showed up for me, it was clear from the first moment,” he said.

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Milan finished a disappointing eighth in Serie A last season and will not play in European competition.

But Modric insisted Milan remain “one of the biggest clubs in Europe”.

“Milan cannot be satisfied with average and needs to have the biggest goals possible, to win titles, to compete with the best teams in the world, that’s why I am here.”

Modric signed a one-year contract, with an option for an additional season with the seven-time Champions League and 19-time Serie A winners.

“I’m never satisfied, I always want more,” he warned. “When you’ve experienced that feeling (of winning), you want to feel it even more. I still have hunger, desire, still wanting more.”

To explain his longevity, Modric said “the most important thing is the love for the game, for football”.

“That’s what I still have, what I still feel in my belly, this fire, that’s what pushes me … there is no secrets, for me it’s the passion, the love for  football. I am never satisfied.”

The 2018 World Cup runner-up also spoke of his childhood memories of Milan.

“When I was a kid, I watched the Italian league a lot, Milan was my favourite team,” he recalled.

“Also because Zvonimir Boban was there, who was my idol,” he added, referring to his compatriot who wore the Rossoneri jersey from 1992 to 2001.