Nigeria vs Zambia - Veteran Giants Meet Rising Force in Blockbuster Quarterfinal
A fierce contest awaits at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, where a semifinal ticket, legacy, and continental bragging rights will be on the line.
It's a rivalry that has grown in intensity over recent years, and with both sides bringing unbeaten group stage form, this quarterfinal promises to be one of the highlights of the tournament.
Route to the Quarterfinals: Unbeaten and Unrelenting
Both Nigeria and Zambia arrive in the last eight with their confidence intact following strong group-stage performances.
Nigeria topped Group B with seven points, kicking off with a commanding 3-0 win over Tunisia, followed by a gritty 1-0 win over Botswana, and a goalless draw against Algeria. The Super Falcons are yet to concede a goal in the competition — a testament to their discipline and structure under head coach Justin Madugu.
'Our preparations have been good. As usual, we are already aware of the game tomorrow — a quarterfinal against Zambia. We've been trying as much as possible to make sure that the girls are ready,' Madugu said. 'Preparations are okay.'
Zambia, on the other hand, impressed in Group A, finishing second only to hosts Morocco on goal difference with seven points. The Copper Queens battled to a 2-2 draw against the Atlas Lionesses, followed it up with a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Senegal, and sealed qualification with a 1-0 victory over DR Congo.
Coach Hauptle expressed confidence in her squad's evolution and readiness:
'I am happy to have had these days to prepare for the quarterfinal. I think my team is ready for the next stage. We moved down to Casablanca yesterday excited and prepared for tomorrow's game.'
Squad News: Key Absentees and Returns
Both sides will be without a key attacking option due to injury.
For Zambia, Xiomara Mapepa will miss the encounter due to a fitness setback, but the Southern Africans will welcome back midfield dynamo Grace Chanda following suspension — a timely boost to their creativity and drive in midfield.
'We will be with 20 players tomorrow,' Hauptle confirmed. 'We released one home due to medical condition. Grace Chanda is back from her suspension. We are willing to play the match and go beyond to penalties.'
Nigeria will miss Malawian-Nigerian forward Chioma Okafor, who is ruled out due to a hand injury sustained in training. According to Madugu, 'The doctors gave a medical advice based on the operation that was done on her hand that she can't use it to play any game till after 12 days. It would not be wise to go against that.'
However, the Super Falcons will see Deborah Abiodun return to the fold after serving her one-match suspension — an addition that boosts midfield steel and ball progression.
Renewed Rivalry: A Shift in the Power Balance?
Nigeria's dominance in WAFCON history is well documented, with a record nine titles and emphatic wins over Zambia in previous editions — including a 6-0 win in 2014 and 4-0 in 2018. But the Copper Queens flipped the script in 2022, edging Nigeria 1-0 in the third-place match — a symbolic win that underscored their arrival among the continent's best.
Coach Madugu, who was on Nigeria's technical crew during all three previous encounters, remains respectful but focused: 'We cannot take away the fact that Zambia are a good team, but they are not unbeatable. The girls are in high spirits and fully ready for them. They, too, are very uncomfortable coming up against us.'
Zambia captain Barbra Banda — absent during the 2018 and 2022 clashes — is relishing the opportunity to lead her side in this edition.
'2018 and 2022 are in the past. What we are focusing on is what we have now,' she said. 'It's going to be an interesting game. This is Africa, and football here is different from the States. It's going to be competitive and at the end of the day, one team will win.'
Plumptre vs Banda Headlines Star-Studded Cast
This quarterfinal brings together some of the finest talents in African women's football.
Nigeria's Ashleigh Plumptre, one of only two Super Falcons named in the Group Stage Best XI, has marshaled a backline yet to concede a goal.
'Preparations are going well. Everyone is in good spirits. The atmosphere in camp is calm and exciting,' said Plumptre, who also spoke on Zambia's threats. 'Zambia have a good attacking line and we respect that. We prepare for the whole team and not just a few players.'
On facing Banda: 'I don't know her personally, but I remember the gender verification backlash she faced. I have a lot of respect for her. She had to silence everyone and perform with a smile on her face. I really look forward to coming up against her.'
Banda, who has scored in every group match, remains Zambia's talisman.'Honestly, I am not carrying any pressure with me. It's just motivation to work extra hard. Meeting Oshoala is great motivation for me. I give her much respect.'
Tactics and Mindset: Calm Structure vs Controlled Chaos
Madugu's ladies have shown defensive solidity and tactical discipline.
'We all defend as one and attack as one,' Plumptre noted. 'We are proud to have gone through the group stage without conceding.'
Still, the Super Falcons coach admits finishing has been a concern.
'We've been trying to improve our goal conversion. These things take time; it's not magical. But I trust the girls will make an impact.'
Zambia's approach is fast, fearless, and fluid.
'Our transition is one of the best in the world,' said Hauptle. 'Defenders struggle when we challenge them with speed.'
She also stressed belief in team unity and mentality: 'We don't look too much at the opponent but focus on our strengths. We believe in unity and love — that's what drives us.'
What's at Stake: More Than Just a Semifinal Spot
Nigeria's ambitions are clear: reclaim the WAFCON title and reassert their dominance. But Madugu maintains a grounded outlook.
'We all believe in God and destiny. Even when we came fourth in 2022, it was never the plan. But our mindset is about winning — and that is what we are going for.'
Zambia, meanwhile, are determined to go beyond their 2022 bronze finish and prove their progress is sustainable.
'We conceded from set pieces in the group stage, so we are working on that,' Hauptle noted. 'We won't allow Nigeria to keep the initiative. On Friday, we will show what we can do.'
For Plumptre, individual accolades pale in comparison to team success: 'I was surprised to be named in the Best XI. It's a reflection of the entire team. I just hope we can carry those performances into the next round.'
Kickoff: Friday, July 19, 2024
Venue: Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca
Winner: Advances to the semifinals of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations
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