WAFCON 2026: Five Zambia threats Nigeria must contain after Malawi defeat

Nigeria’s Super Falcons must quickly recover from their shock 3-2 loss to Malawi when they face Zambia in a crucial WAFCON 2026 Group C match on Saturday.

The ten-time African champions were punished by the Chawinga sisters, Temwa and Tabitha, whose pace and clinical finishing exposed weaknesses in Nigeria’s defence during the defeat in Rabat.

That result leaves Justine Madugu’s side with little room for error, particularly against a Zambia team that made an emphatic start to the tournament.

The Copper Queens announced their ambitions with a 6-0 victory over Egypt. Captain Barbra Banda scored four times and provided an assist, while Eneless Phiri and Racheal Nachula were also on the scoresheet in one of the opening round’s most convincing performances.

Nigeria will therefore meet a Zambia side full of confidence, attacking speed and belief. These are five players the Super Falcons will need to control if they are to avoid another damaging result.

Barbra Banda

Zambia’s captain is the obvious starting point. The Orlando Pride forward produced one of the outstanding individual displays in WAFCON history against Egypt, scoring four goals and creating another in a commanding centre-forward performance.

Banda combines physical strength with explosive pace and ruthless finishing. She is particularly dangerous when she can run into space behind a defensive line and needs very little time to exploit an opening in the penalty area.

Nigeria’s centre-backs Osinachi Ohale and Oluwatosin Demehin found it difficult to deal with similar movement during the loss to Malawi. Any lapse in concentration could allow Banda to cause comparable damage.

Racheal Kundananji

While Banda claimed most of the attention, Bay FC striker Racheal Kundananji also underlined her status as one of Africa’s most dangerous forwards.

She supplied an assist against Egypt and repeatedly stretched the defence with clever movement from the left. Kundananji can move into wider positions or attack through the middle, making it difficult for opponents to track her consistently.

If Nigeria commit too many defenders to stopping Banda, Kundananji has the quality and movement to attack the spaces that are created.

Chilufya

The Angel City winger did not score against Egypt, but her contribution was still central to Zambia’s dominant display.

Chilufya provided an assist and frequently beat defenders in one-on-one situations, helping Zambia create overloads on the right side. Nigeria’s full-backs struggled to contain Malawi in their opening match, and Chilufya’s speed and creativity could present an even greater challenge if she is given time and space.

Eneless Phiri

The ZESCO Ndola Girls striker rewarded Nora Hauptle’s selection by scoring in Zambia’s opening win.

Phiri adds a different dimension to the Copper Queens’ attack. Her threat is based less on raw pace and more on intelligent movement between defenders, as well as composure inside the box.

With attention likely to focus on Banda and Kundananji, Phiri could find opportunities by arriving in dangerous areas unnoticed. She also gives Zambia a proven attacking option from the bench.

Grace Chanda

Every strong attack needs a player capable of directing it, and Grace Chanda remains Zambia’s creative influence in midfield.

The Queretaro midfielder links defence and attack, controls the tempo and is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure. Her ability to spot and execute passes into the paths of Zambia’s quick forwards could be decisive.

Nigeria were unable to close down Malawi’s midfield quickly enough in their first match. Giving Chanda similar freedom would allow Zambia to dictate the game and expose the Super Falcons’ defensive weaknesses.

Nigeria still have the psychological advantage of having defeated Zambia 5-0 in the quarter-finals of the previous WAFCON edition. However, that result now appears distant, with this Copper Queens team looking more mature, clinical and dangerous than the side Nigeria dismantled less than a year ago.

Madugu’s players must improve their defensive structure. Limiting the space behind the back line, shielding the central defenders and stopping quick transitions will be vital to keeping Nigeria’s progression hopes alive, as well as their ambition of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

If the Super Falcons can contain Banda and the supporting threats around her, they will have a realistic chance of responding positively. If they cannot, another difficult night could await them in Morocco.