By Kalumiana Kalumiana
Zambia and Nigeria face off in a grudge match this evening when they clash in a 2025 WAFCON quarterfinal tie at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Kickoff of this last 8 fixture is at 18h00 Zambian time.
Friday’s meeting will be Zambia and Nigeria’s second successive knockout stage encounter after their 2022 third and fourth place playoff Date.
Zambia beat Nigeria 1-0 to win the bronze medal, which saw both teams join runners-up Morocco and South Africa to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
While this WAFCON edition is not a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier season, the stakes are still very high.
Nigeria would like to not only get revenge but restore their old dominance as record 9-time WAFCON champions and ultimately extend their continental domination.
For Zambia, it is a desire to show their new status as a women’s football powerhouse following back-to-back Olympic qualifications and a FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance.
In addition for Zambia, the teams profile is quantified by a double accolade winner of best African and BBC female player in their midst in the shape of Barbara Banda.
Defender Rachael Nachula said Nigeria must accept that they are now dealing with a fellow African women’s football powerhouse.
“We are ready to face any team and as for Nigeria, we know that they are one of the best teams in Africa and I think Copper Queens also we are also one of the best teams in Africa. I think we can conquer each and every team and we are not scared of any team like we cannot be scared of Nigeria. All we need is just to work extra hard and be focused and also maintain the instructions that we have been given by our coach and we are going to play the game according to our coach’s plan,” Nachula said.
Both sides head into the game unbeaten from the group stages with 2 wins apiece and a draw.
However, while Nigeria has scored fewer goals, they will test Zambia’s striking force.
Nigeria holds the best defensive record from the group stages together with fellow Group B opponents Algeria and has yet to concede a goal in 270 minutes plus extra time in the group stages.
Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji, who have scored 3 goals each, will surely be tested by Nigeria, setting up what will probably be the two sides’ biggest ever meeting with the extra pressure of not wanting to be the side packing their bags to go home on Saturday.
