Nigeria vs. Zambia – Match preview, h2h, prediction as Super Falcons tackle Copper Queens for WAFCON 2022 bronze

The 2 losers of the semifinals will look to regain some satisfaction in Casablanca and make sure the different crew returns dwelling empty-handed

Nigeria will goal to finish their time in Morocco on a excessive after they meet Zambia on Friday, July 22, within the third place match of the 2022 CAF Girls’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Each groups had been the victims of controversial refereeing choices of their semifinal losses and can goal successful the bronze medal on this conflict as some comfort.

Dethroned champions Falcons had been diminished to 9 girls earlier than they surrendered their crown in a penalty shootout loss to Morocco.

The Copper Queens, alternatively, fell 1-0 to South Africa, with the Banyana Banyana successful courtesy of a stoppage-time penalty.

Match preview

For the reason that match kicked off in 1998, that is solely the primary time Nigeria will play in a third-place match – successful one and shedding the opposite.

The Tremendous Falcons defeated Cameroon 5-4 on penalties in 2008 however misplaced 1-0 to the identical opponents on the 2012 version.

The nine-time winners will probably be heavy favourites after they face a Zambian crew making it previous the group levels for the primary time in three makes an attempt.

It’s a conflict that would, nonetheless, show sophisticated for the Nigerians as administrative issues at the moment beset the crew.

In protest towards unpaid bonuses and allowances, the Falcons refused to coach on Wednesday, and there’s a risk that they might boycott the sport on Friday.

And even when they flip up for the match, motivation and match health could also be missing, which can play into the palms of a rejuvenated Zambia.

Bruce Mwape’s women had been spectacular as Africa’s representatives on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and have already secured a first-ever ticket to the FIFA Girls’s World Cup.

There isn’t any higher time to report their first-ever victory over Nigeria.

Head-to-head

Nigeria dominated the earlier encounters towards Zambia, successful each conferences by an mixture rating of 10-0.

The Tremendous Falcons claimed a 6-0 win of their first face-off on the 2014 version and defeated the Copper Queens 4-0 at Ghana 2018.

Will they be third time excellent?

Match particulars

Competitors: 2022 Girls Africa Cup of Nations
Match: Nigeria vs. Zambia
Stage: Third place match
Venue: Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca
Date: Friday, 22 July 2022
Kickoff time: 9 pm (Nigerian time)

Gamers to look at

Nigeria will sorely miss the standard enter of star lady Rasheedat Ajibade and mercurial midfielder Halimatu Ayinde, who had been each red-carded towards hosts Morocco.

However that is the chance for the vigorous Uchenna Kanu and Present Monday to return to the crew’s rescue and fireplace the Falcons to victory.

Prediction

This match may very well be more difficult than anticipated, however Nigeria nonetheless boast extra high quality throughout the pitch than the Copper Queens.

The previous champions may, nonetheless, undergo within the absence of a number of key gamers, together with Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala.

However the Falcons have guts and grits, as evidenced by their dogged show towards the Atlas Lionesses. And it will take a monumental efficiency from Zambia to win this.

Tip: Nigeria 2 – 1 Zambia