The Zambia Women’s National Team will face Nigeria in the quarter finals of the ongoing TotalEnergies 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The Copper Queens finished second in group A while the Super Falcons finished top of group B both accumulating seven points.
Zambia will be looking to replicate what they did three years ago when they edged Nigeria, 1-0 to win bronze.
Skipper Barbra Banda says the team is ready for any team that will come the way of the Copper Queens.
“We are looking forward to the quarterfinals. Whatever team comes, we are up and ready for it,” she said.
After conceding in the first two games, the Copper Queens finally managed to keep a clean sheet as they beat DR Congo 1-0 on Saturday to secure a place in the last eight.
Coach Nora Häuptle and her team will need to be at their best to beat the WAFCON perennial favorites who have beaten Zambia twice in their last three meetings, losing just once.
Nigeria have been African champions nine times—tied for the most continental titles globally with China (AFC) and the USA (CONCACAF) while Zambia’s best run was 2022 when they came out third.
The Super Falcons are the most successful nation in WAFCON history, with titles in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018.
They have reached the semi-finals in all 12 of their previous appearances. In addition to their nine titles, they finished third in 2008 and fourth in both 2012 and 2022.
So for Zambia to progress they have to do what has never been done, eliminate Nigeria at the quarter final stage.
The positive for Zambia is the last time they met, it was the Copper Queens who emerged victorious by a lone goal, Evarine Susan Katongo with the all important goal.
The two teams will square off on Friday, July 18th for a place in the last four.
