Zambia head coach Nora Häuptle has sent a clear message of intent ahead of her side’s highly anticipated quarter-final clash with Nigeria at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), stating that the Copper Queens fear no opponent — not even the nine-time champions.
Häuptle made the bold declaration during her post-match press conference after Zambia sealed second place in Group A with a gritty 1-0 win over DR Congo in Rabat. The victory, secured by an early Racheal Kundananji free-kick, extended Zambia’s unbeaten group stage run to seven matches across the last two WAFCON editions.
The result means Zambia now face Group B winners Nigeria on Friday, July 18, in Casablanca, in what is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the quarter-final round.
“I think we had a very stable and mature performance today,” Häuptle said.
“We adjusted some details in our block and stayed very valla, which means compact. Out of that structure, we scored early and could have added more before half-time. We never lost control.”
The Swiss tactician expressed satisfaction with her team’s tactical awareness and discipline, while underlining their mental readiness for any opponent — including the tournament favourites.
“We are in a comfortable position with five days of rest before our next game. It gives us time to recover, refresh, and analyse. But we’re not afraid of anyone. If you want to reach the final and lift the trophy, you have to be ready to beat the best. We are ready to take on Nigeria.”
Super Falcons Eye 10th Title, But Face Familiar Threat
Nigeria’s Super Falcons progressed to the knockout stage after a frustrating 0-0 draw with Algeria in their final Group B game on Sunday in Casablanca. Despite dominating the match with 24 shots and 13 corners, they were held scoreless by a compact Algerian side and inspired goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi.
Head coach Justine Madugu, who made several changes to the starting XI with qualification already secured, saw his side create multiple clear-cut chances, including a pair of late efforts from Esther Okoronkwo, but the finishing touch was lacking.
Still, Nigeria ended the group stage unbeaten, with seven points, four goals scored, and none conceded, maintaining the best defensive record in the tournament so far. Their depth remains a major asset, with an experienced bench that includes the likes of Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Christy Ucheibe, and Toni Payne.
A Quarter-Final Grudge Match in Casablanca
Friday’s clash will be a rematch of the 2022 WAFCON third-place playoff, where Zambia stunned Nigeria 1-0 to claim their first-ever WAFCON medal. That historic win remains a motivational benchmark for the Copper Queens, who now believe they can do even better.
Zambia boast a dynamic attack led by Kundananji, who has now scored in three consecutive WAFCON matches — becoming the first Zambian to achieve the feat. She’ll be a key threat to Nigeria’s solid backline marshaled by Osinachi Ohale and Blessing Demehin.
All Eyes on Casablanca
With Nigeria chasing a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, and Zambia hoping to make history by reaching the semi-finals again — or beyond — Friday’s showdown at Stade Larbi Zaouli promises fireworks.
The Copper Queens are unbeaten in five WAFCON games and brimming with confidence. But they face the continent’s most successful side, who have never failed to reach the knockout stages and are hungry for redemption.
As Häuptle summed it up: “We respect Nigeria, but we don’t fear them. To be champions, we must beat champions.”
The stage is set. And the continent will be watching.