By: Oluwatobi Aroyehun
The Super Falcons of Nigeria are brimming with confidence as they prepare to face Zambia’s Copper Queens in a highly anticipated quarter final match at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Friday, July 18.
Head coach Justine Madugu expressed optimism about his team’s readiness, acknowledging the growing challenge posed by Africa’s rising football powers.
“Nigeria has always been a force, but the game has changed,” Madugu said in a press conference.
“Africa’s football landscape is tougher now, with teams like South Africa, Morocco, and Zambia stepping up. We respect Zambia’s progress, but we’re ready with our game plan.”
The nine-time WAFCON champions, once untouchable on the continent, now face a Zambia side that has transformed into a formidable opponent who stunned Nigeria in the 2022 WAFCON bronze medal match, reversing earlier heavy defeats, including a 6-0 thrashing in 2014 and a 4-0 loss in 2018.
Powered by stars like Barbra Banda, Rachael Kundananji, and Lushomo Mweemba, who joined Nigeria’s captain Rasheedat Ajibade and defender Ashleigh Plumptre in the tournament’s group stage best starting eleven Zambia has evolved into a disciplined and confident unit.
Madugu, however, remains calm and focused. “We’ve studied their strengths and know what they bring. We’re not concentrating intently on their star players. We have our strategy, and we’ll be ready to deliver on the pitch.”
The coach emphasized that his team is approaching the match with a clear plan, undiscouraged by Zambia’s recent success.
Nigeria’s journey to reclaim their continental crown comes after a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Morocco in the 2022 semifinals. With the 2025 WAFCON showcasing a surge in competitiveness, evidenced by Senegal, Algeria, Mali, and a renewed Ghana reaching the knockout stages, the Super Falcons know there’s no room for errors.
