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WAFCON 2024: Super Falcons and Copper Queens set for titanic quarter final clash
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
The upcoming quarter-final clash between Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Zambia’s Copper Queens in Casablanca is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter—possibly one of the most intense in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) history.
Here’s a breakdown of the key narratives and dynamics:
Clash of Titans: Then vs Now
- Nigeria, the dominant force in African women’s football with nine WAFCON titles, is facing increasing competition.
- Once virtually untouchable, the Super Falcons have found recent tournaments far more competitive, highlighted by semifinal losses to Morocco (2022) and group stage setbacks.
- Zambia, once on the receiving end of heavy defeats (6-0 in 2014, 4-0 in 2018), has flipped the script, defeating Nigeria to win bronze in 2022.
Changing Guard in African Women’s Football
- The era of Nigeria’s dominance is being reshaped by emerging powers:
- South Africa, the reigning champions, defeated both Nigeria and Zambia en route to the 2022 title.
- Morocco, the 2022 finalists, stunned Nigeria in a penalty shootout.
- Teams like Senegal, Algeria, and Mali are pushing into elite territory.
- Even Ghana, long underwhelming, is back in the quarter-finals.
Key Players to Watch
Nigeria:
- Rasheedat Ajibade – Captain and standout performer, named in the Best XI of the group stage.
- Ashleigh Plumptre – A rock in defense, also named among the top performers.
Zambia:
- Barbra Banda – Electric forward with the power to change a game.
- Rachael Kundananji – One of Africa’s most prolific strikers.
- Lushomo Mweemba – Solid in defense, part of Zambia’s best-ever squad.
The Stage Is Set
- Venue: Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca.
- Date: Friday.
- Stakes? A semi-final berth and continental pride.
With high-performing players on both sides and a recent history of tightly contested matches, this promises to be a war of will, skill, and stamina—a game that could redefine pecking orders in African women’s football.
