Nigeria will be hoping to get their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title defence back on track today when they take on Zambia in a crucial Group C match at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
The Super Falcons got off to a shaky start, suffering a shock 3-2 loss to Malawi in their opener. As defending champions, the defeat came as a surprise. Coach Justin Madugu’s team found it difficult to stop Malawi’s attack, with Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga leading the charge.
The task doesn’t get easier against Zambia, who come into the game full of confidence. Their star forward *Barbra Banda* was outstanding in their 6-0 thrashing of Egypt, netting four goals for Orlando Pride’s striker.
This fixture also gives Zambia a chance for revenge. Nigeria handed them a heavy 5-0 defeat in the quarter-finals of the last WAFCON.
Nigeria remain the most decorated team in African women’s football with 10 continental titles to their name. But with a spot in the knockout rounds on the line, this clash between two of the continent’s powerhouses could signal a shift in the balance of power.
*What’s at stake:*
The top two teams from each group will move on to the quarter-finals. The four semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The teams that lose in the quarter-finals will go into play-offs for the remaining inter-confederation World Cup slots.
