WAFCON 2026: Can Super Falcons stop free-scoring Zambia?

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Super Falcons

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Nigeria will look to revive their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title defence when they face Zambia in a pivotal Group C encounter at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca today.

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The Super Falcons suffered one of the biggest upsets of the tournament in their opening match, falling 3-2 to Malawi despite entering the competition as defending champions. Justin Madugu’s side struggled to contain Malawi’s attack, with sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga inspiring the victory.

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The challenge facing Nigeria becomes even tougher against a confident Zambia side spearheaded by Barbra Banda. The Orlando Pride forward produced a sensational display in Zambia’s 6-0 demolition of Egypt, scoring four goals.

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Today’s meeting also offers Zambia an opportunity for revenge after their heavy 5-0 defeat to Nigeria in last year’s WAFCON quarter-finals.

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Nigeria remain the benchmark in African women’s football, having won the continental title 10 times.

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With qualification for the knockout stage at stake, the clash between two of Africa’s strongest sides could provide another indication of the shifting balance of power in the women’s game.

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The top two teams in each group will advance to the quarter-finals. The tournament’s four semi-finalists will secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the losing quarter-finalists will compete in play-offs for the remaining inter-confederation qualification places.

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