Defending champions Nigeria will face Zambia in a crucial Group C clash of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Saturday at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, with both teams chasing a place in the quarter-finals.
The Super Falcons head into the encounter under pressure after suffering a shock 3-2 defeat to Malawi in their opening match. Nigeria struggled defensively as Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga inspired the Malawians to a famous victory, exposing weaknesses in Justin Madugu’s side.
Zambia, on the other hand, arrive full of confidence following a commanding 6-0 victory over Egypt. Captain Barbra Banda was the star of the show, netting four goals to continue her impressive scoring form for the Copper Queens.
The match also presents Zambia with an opportunity to avenge last year’s 5-0 quarter-final defeat to Nigeria, a result that ended their WAFCON campaign. Under head coach Nora Häuptle, the Copper Queens are expected to provide a much sterner challenge this time around.
Nigeria remain Africa’s most successful women’s national team with 10 WAFCON titles, but recent tournaments have highlighted the growing strength of other nations on the continent. With qualification for the knockout stage at stake, Saturday’s encounter is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the group phase.
The top two teams in each group will advance to the quarter-finals, while the tournament’s four semi-finalists will secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The match will kick off at 9:00 p.m. Nigerian time at Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca, and will be broadcast on AfroSport, SuperSport and CAF TV’s YouTube channel in selected territories.
Nigeria are expected to line up with Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal, while Michelle Alozie, Shukurat Oladipo, Osinachi Ohale and Oluwatosin Demehin are likely to form the backline. Jennifer Echegini, Deborah Abiodun and Rasheedat Ajibade are expected to anchor the midfield, with Esther Okoronkwo, Uchenna Kanu and Rinsola Babajide leading the attack.
Zambia are likely to start Hazel Nali in goal, with Racheal Nachula, Lushomo Mweemba, Mapalo Maluba and Margaret Belemu in defence. Grace Chanda, Rhoda Chileshe and Ireen Lungu are expected to feature in midfield, while the dangerous attacking trio of Racheal Kundananji, Barbra Banda and Prisca Chilufya will spearhead the Copper Queens’ frontline.
All eyes will be on Nigeria’s defence as they attempt to contain Banda and company in what promises to be a fiercely contested battle between two of Africa’s leading women’s football nations.
