Focused Copper Queens Ready for Nigeria Test as Mapepa Misses Out

The Copper Queens are fully focused and hungry for success as they gear up for Friday’s TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 quarterfinal clash against Nigeria in Casablanca.

The team held their first training session in Casablanca on Wednesday evening at the Raja Club Athletic Academy, with coach Nora Häuptle and her technical team guiding the players through tactical drills and match preparations. The entire squad was involved, and the mood in camp remained positive and focused, with players showing intensity and sharpness throughout the workout.

Speaking at the official pre-match press conference, Häuptle confirmed that midfielder Grace Chanda is available for selection again after serving her suspension, but forward Xiomara Mapepa has been released on medical grounds.

“My team is ready for the quarterfinal. We had a good evolution through the group stages where we were unbeaten. We are excited to enter the knockout stage. It feels a bit like a final already, Zambia against Nigeria. I think for all of us, I hope it will be a very entertaining game,” Häuptle said.

“Of course, we are here to hunt. We respect that Nigeria is a several-time winner of this tournament. I think they are in the role of the favourite in this game. But I can assure you that my team is very hungry.”

Earlier on Wednesday, the team made the trip from Rabat to Casablanca, where they will be based for the next phase of the tournament. Both Zambia and Nigeria reached the knockout stage unbeaten, each finishing on seven points, with Zambia placing second in Group A and Nigeria topping Group B.

The fixture is a repeat of the 2022 WAFCON bronze medal match, which the Copper Queens won 1–0.

Kick-off is set for 18h00 CAT on Friday, 18 July, at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, with a place in the semifinals up for grabs.