Nigeria, Zambia Prepare for WAFCON Quarterfinal Clash in Morocco

Nigeria's Super Falcons will face Zambia's Copper Queens in the quarterfinals of the 12th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after topping Group B with seven points. Despite a strong start, Nigeria has struggled to convert chances into goals, managing only four goals in three group matches and drawing 0-0 with Algeria, raising concerns about their finishing ahead of the knockout stages. Zambia, meanwhile, finished second in Group A and have shown tactical maturity and defensive discipline under coach Nora Häuptle, who expressed confidence in her team's readiness to challenge Nigeria and aim for the final. Both teams have a history, with Zambia having upset Nigeria to claim third place in the previous 2022 edition, adding extra motivation to the upcoming clash. Nigeria's coach Justin Madugu acknowledged the goal-scoring challenges but remains confident, emphasizing thorough preparation and the necessity of winning every match to claim the title. The quarterfinal match is scheduled for July 18 at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, setting the stage for a highly anticipated encounter between two top African women's football teams.