The Super Falcons face one of their biggest tests at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations when they take on Zambia’s Copper Queens in a crucial Group C clash on Saturday, August 1, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria head into the game under pressure after a surprise 3-2 defeat to Malawi in Casablanca. It was the Super Falcons’ first opening-match loss at a WAFCON tournament in decades and left Justin Madugu’s side needing a positive result to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds alive.
Zambia arrive full of confidence after destroying Egypt 6-0 in their opening fixture. The Copper Queens produced one of the best attacking displays of the tournament, with their dangerous forward line showing why many now consider them genuine title contenders.
The meeting also renews a growing rivalry between two of Africa’s strongest women’s teams. Nigeria defeated Zambia 5-0 in their last WAFCON meeting, but the Copper Queens have improved significantly since then, thanks to the rise of several world-class stars playing in Europe and the United States.
With qualification from Group C hanging in the balance, individual brilliance could make the difference. Here are the five players most likely to decide this blockbuster encounter.
Barbra Banda (Zambia)
Few players in world football are as dangerous as Zambia captain Barbra Banda. The powerful striker has built a reputation for producing match-winning performances on the biggest stages. Her combination of explosive pace, strength and clinical finishing makes her one of the hardest forwards to defend against.
She reminded everyone of her quality in Zambia’s opening game by netting four goals during the 6-0 demolition of Egypt. Every time Zambia broke forward, Banda looked capable of creating or scoring a goal.
Nigeria’s defence struggled badly against Malawi, conceding three goals through quick attacks and defensive mistakes. If the Super Falcons leave space behind their backline or lose possession in dangerous areas, Banda has the speed to punish them immediately.
Stopping the Zambia captain will likely be Nigeria’s biggest defensive task of the evening. If she is kept quiet, the Super Falcons will greatly improve their chances of taking something from the game.
Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria’s Super Falcons)
Whenever Nigeria need inspiration, they usually look to captain Rasheedat Ajibade. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder-forward remains the creative heartbeat of the Super Falcons. Her relentless pressing, intelligent movement and ability to carry the ball into dangerous areas make her Nigeria’s biggest attacking weapon.
Following the disappointing defeat to Malawi, Ajibade will be expected to lead both with her performances and her leadership. The PSG midfielder has consistently delivered in high-pressure matches and understands what is required when Nigeria’s backs are against the wall.
Zambia’s defence will focus heavily on limiting her influence between midfield and attack. If Ajibade finds space to combine with Nigeria’s forwards, she can create chances, win dangerous free-kicks and drag defenders out of position.
In a must-win fixture, her decision-making and creativity could determine whether the Super Falcons return to winning ways.
Racheal Kundananji (Zambia)
While Banda receives most of the attention, Racheal Kundananji is equally capable of changing a game within seconds. The pacey forward has become a notable name in women’s football thanks to her speed, direct running and ability to score from almost any position in the final third.
Her understanding with Banda has become one of Africa’s most feared attacking partnerships. When one drops deep, the other attacks the space behind defenders, making Zambia extremely difficult to contain. Against Egypt, Kundananji constantly stretched the defence with her intelligent runs and quick movement, helping Zambia score six unanswered goals.
Nigeria’s full-backs and centre-backs must remain organised throughout the match because even a moment of poor positioning could allow Kundananji to race through on goal.
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
Nigeria’s hopes could rest on the gloves of goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Widely regarded as Africa’s best goalkeeper, the Brighton & Hove Albion star will be under intense pressure after conceding three goals against Malawi.
Although several of those goals came from defensive errors, Nnadozie knows she must produce a commanding performance against a Zambia side that scored six goals in their opening match.
Her shot-stopping ability, quick reflexes and command of the penalty area have rescued Nigeria countless times over the years. She will also be responsible for organising the defence against the dangerous partnership of Banda and Kundananji.
If Nnadozie produces one of her trademark performances with several key saves, Nigeria could frustrate Zambia and build confidence as the match progresses.
Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria)
Esther Okoronkwo has developed a reputation for delivering when Nigeria need her most. The AFC Toronto forward was one of the few bright spots during the defeat to Malawi.
Her influence goes beyond goals. Okoronkwo is one of Nigeria’s most dangerous set-piece specialists, capable of scoring directly from free-kicks or delivering crosses that create clear chances for teammates.
She also has happy memories against Zambia. In the previous WAFCON meeting between the two sides, she tormented the Copper Queens by scoring once and providing two assists during Nigeria’s emphatic 5-0 victory.
Her habit of producing decisive moments in important matches was also seen before this tournament when she scored the dramatic 89th-minute winner against Tanzania in a pre-WAFCON friendly.
Whether she starts or comes off the bench, Okoronkwo’s movement, selfless link-up play with Ajibade and ability to produce moments of magic could provide the spark Nigeria desperately need to keep their WAFCON campaign alive.
