Wafcon 2024 Quarterfinal Blockbuster: Nigeria And Zambia Set For Titanic Showdown In Casablanca

Two of Africa’s biggest forces in women’s football, Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Zambia’s Copper Queens, face off in a highly anticipated TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 quarterfinal this Friday at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

With a semifinal slot, bragging rights, and perhaps a symbolic passing of the torch at stake, this clash is being billed as the tie of the round, and arguably one worthy of a final.

Veterans vs Rising Giants: Legacy on the Line

Nigeria, record 9-time champions, arrive unbeaten, topping Group B with seven points and without conceding a goal. Zambia, rising fast as a continental powerhouse, matched that tally in Group A but finished second to hosts Morocco on goal difference after a dramatic 2-2 draw in their opening match.

Both coaches, Justin Madugu of Nigeria and Nora Hauptle of Zambia, expressed confidence and respect ahead of the tie. Madugu said, “We’ve been trying as much as possible to make sure that the girls are ready.” Hauptle added: “My team is ready for the next stage. We moved down to Casablanca excited and prepared for tomorrow’s game.”

Key Absentees and Squad News

Zambia will miss winger Xiomara Mapepa due to injury, while Nigeria’s Chioma Okafor is out after surgery on her hand. However, both sides regain key midfielders: Grace Chanda returns for Zambia following suspension, while Nigeria welcomes back Deborah Abiodun.

“We will be with 20 players tomorrow,” Hauptle confirmed. “Grace Chanda is back, and we are willing to go beyond to penalties if needed.”

The Banda vs Oshoala Duel: A Potential Passing of the Torch

Perhaps the most talked-about subplot is the meeting between Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala. Banda, who dethroned Oshoala as African Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2024, has scored in every group match so far and is being tipped as the next big thing.

“I’m not carrying any pressure. It’s just motivation to work extra hard,” Banda said. “Meeting Oshoala is great motivation for me. I give her much respect.”

Plumptre also commented on Banda: “I really look forward to coming up against her. I have a lot of respect for her. She had to silence everyone and perform with a smile on her face.”

Contrasting Styles: Nigeria’s Structure vs Zambia’s Speed

Nigeria’s defensive strength, led by Ashleigh Plumptre and Oluwatosin Demehin, has been rock-solid, with no goals conceded so far. Plumptre emphasized: “We all defend as one and attack as one.”

In contrast, Zambia’s attack has been one of the most exciting in the tournament, with Banda, Racheal Kundananji, and Grace Chanda driving lightning-fast transitions. Hauptle explained: “Our transition is one of the best in the world. Defenders struggle when we challenge them with speed.”

However, Zambia’s defense, especially without injured keeper Hazel Nali, has looked vulnerable, conceding four goals in the group stage, three from set pieces.

Mindsets and Ambitions

For Nigeria, anything less than reclaiming the WAFCON title would be seen as falling short, though Madugu remains cautious: “Even when we came fourth in 2022, it was never the plan. But our mindset is about winning.”

Zambia, meanwhile, are determined to push beyond their 2022 bronze finish. Banda summed it up: “2018 and 2022 are in the past. What we are focusing on is what we have now. It’s going to be an interesting game.”

Kick-Off Details:

• Match: Nigeria vs Zambia
• Venue: Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca
• Time: Friday, 18h00 CAT
• Live on: ZNBC, Diamond TV, SuperSport

One thing is certain: whether it’s Nigeria’s structure or Zambia’s fearless pace, African women’s football fans are in for a special night in Casablanca.