Nigeria face Zambia in must-win Women’s AFCON clash after Malawi shock

Nigeria’s defending champions must beat Zambia on Saturday to revive their Women Africa Cup of Nations campaign after suffering a surprise 3-2 defeat by debutants Malawi in their opening Group C match.

The 10-time champions were beaten in Rabat on Tuesday in a result that reverberated across women’s football. Nigeria were unable to find a way through during a goalless first half before Malawi moved two goals ahead.

The match then produced a dramatic finish, with three goals arriving in added time. Nigeria scored twice, but Malawi found the net once more to secure a historic victory in their first appearance at Africa’s leading women’s football tournament.

The Super Falcons now need a strong response against Zambia, who began the competition in emphatic fashion. The Copper Queens sit top of Group C on goal difference after beating Egypt 6-0.

Zambia also possess one of the most dangerous attacking players in the world game in Barbara Banda. The forward is renowned for her pace and ability, while Rachael Kundananji and Grace Chanda provide further attacking threat.

For Nigeria, the stakes extend beyond this tournament. The Super Falcons have appeared at every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the competition was first held in China in 1991, and missing the 2027 finals would represent a major setback.

A convincing victory over Zambia would strengthen their hopes of progressing and keeping alive their ambition of qualifying for the global tournament. It would also allow Nigeria to remind their rivals of their status as the leading team in African women’s football.

The two sides meet with recent history between them. At the 2022 Women Africa Cup of Nations, Zambia defeated the then Cup-holders in the third-place play-off, leaving Nigeria without a medal.

Nigeria responded in emphatic fashion last year, beating Zambia 5-0 in a quarter-final encounter. Saturday’s match therefore offers the Copper Queens an opportunity to build on their strong start, while Nigeria will be seeking another decisive result in the rivalry.

Head Coach Justine Madugu said the defeat by Malawi had not changed the team’s focus or objective.

“We are focused and not deterred. Our objective remains picking the FIFA World Cup ticket and going ahead to retain our trophy.”

Nigeria’s immediate priority, however, is to collect three points against a Zambia side that has already demonstrated its attacking strength. With both teams carrying clear ambitions and a place at the top of the group at stake, the Super Falcons cannot afford another difficult opening spell in Morocco.