Two of Africa’s fiercest women’s football rivals, Nigeria and Zambia, will collide in a high-stakes quarterfinal showdown at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Friday, in what is being hailed as one of the most anticipated clashes in the tournament’s history.

The encounter, scheduled for the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, carries immense weight—not just for a place in the semifinals but as a barometer of shifting power dynamics in African women’s football.

Nine-time champions Nigeria, long the undisputed queens of the continent, are no longer assured of easy passage.

While they dominated African women’s football for over two decades, the rise of formidable sides like South Africa, Morocco, and particularly Zambia in recent years has made the terrain far more competitive.

Zambia’s Copper Queens, once easily overpowered by Nigeria—6-0 in Namibia (2014) and 4-0 in Ghana (2018)—flipped the script in 2022 by defeating the Super Falcons in the bronze medal match in Morocco.

Their rise has been marked by improved structure, belief, and attacking firepower, embodied by players like Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji.

The Nigerian team, under coach Justine Madugu, remains resolute. “We have our strategies; we’ve studied Zambia closely. We know their threats, and we’ll be ready with the right antidote,” Madugu said confidently.

Esther Okoronkwo and Ashleigh Plumptre at training on Tuesday.

His counterpart, Swiss-born Nora Häuptle, who leads Zambia, welcomed the five-day rest advantage and sounded a warning. “Whoever we face, we’ll be ready. To reach and win the final, you must beat the best.”

Both sides are loaded with firepower and flair. Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade and Ashleigh Plumptre were named in the tournament’s Best XI for the group stage, alongside Zambia’s star trio—defender Lushomo Mweemba, prolific striker Barbra Banda, and the dynamic Rachael Kundananji.

The elite list also includes Algeria’s goalkeeper Chloe N’gazi-Boumrar, South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane, Fikile Magama and Refiloe Jane, Senegal’s Nguenar Ndiaye, and Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak.

The return of Nigeria’s midfield engine Deborah Abiodun from suspension is expected to add grit and creativity, while Esther Okoronkwo could earn her first start alongside the calm and clinical Jennifer Echegini.

Nigerian government officials, including the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, and the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hajia Hannatu Musa Musawa, have expressed strong support for the Super Falcons, urging them to rise to the occasion.

The clash is expected to be a tactical and emotional rollercoaster—a true test of credentials for two of Africa’s most ambitious sides. The winner will face either reigning champions South Africa or the ever-spirited Senegalese team in the semifinals on Tuesday.

With continental pride, legacy, and a path to the final on the line, fireworks are guaranteed. But in a match of this magnitude, lightning and thunder may not be far behind.

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Nigeria’s Super Falcons have earned recognition for their standout performances in the group stage of the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 in Morocco, with two players — Rasheedat Ajibade and Ashleigh Plumptre — named in the tournament’s official Best XI released by the CAF Technical Study Group (TSG).

The elite selection, based on a 4-3-3 formation, highlights the top performers from a thrilling group stage that witnessed 45 goals in 18 matches, showcasing the increasing competitiveness and attacking flair in African women’s football.

Nigerian Duo Shine

Rasheedat Ajibade, who was deployed in midfield, earned plaudits for her dynamic presence, linking the lines with clever movement, technical finesse, and driving runs. Her creativity and energy were pivotal to Nigeria’s smooth transition from midfield to attack, earning her a place alongside Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak — voted Best Player of the Group Stage — and South Africa’s Refiloe Jane in the midfield trio.

At the back, Ashleigh Plumptre anchored the left side of the defence with calm composure, intelligent positioning, and decisive tackles. Her performances stood out as a symbol of Nigeria’s defensive stability, even as the team faced stiff competition in the early rounds.

Star-Studded Line-up

The attacking line is led by Zambia’s Barbra Banda, who netted three goals and posed a constant threat in the box. She is flanked by her compatriot Racheal Kundananji, whose speed and directness yielded another three goals, and Senegal’s Nguenar Ndiaye, the joint top scorer of the group phase with four goals.

In defense, South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane and Zambia’s Lushomo Mweemba provided solidity at centre-back, while Fikile Magama of South Africa completed the fullback pairing with Plumptre.

In goal, Chloé N’Gazi of Algeria was named Best Goalkeeper, keeping three clean sheets and playing a crucial role in Algeria’s historic qualification for the WAFCON quarterfinals.

Best Coach: Desiree Ellis

South Africa’s tactician Dr. Desiree Ellis was named Best Coach of the Group Stage, following an impressive run that saw the Banyana Banyana top their group unbeaten, scoring seven goals and conceding just one. Her tactical clarity, ability to rotate the squad effectively, and emphasis on team cohesion were praised by the TSG.

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CAF Women’s AFCON 2024 Group Stage Best XI (4-3-3):

• Goalkeeper: Chloé N’Gazi (Algeria)

• Defenders: Ashleigh Plumptre (Nigeria), Bambanani Mbane (South Africa), Lushomo Mweemba (Zambia), Fikile Magama (South Africa)

• Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria), Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco), Refiloe Jane (South Africa)

• Forwards: Racheal Kundananji (Zambia), Barbra Banda (Zambia), Nguenar Ndiaye (Senegal)

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

The group stage of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2025 has concluded. Eight teams are still competing for continental glory.

With four quarterfinal clashes spread over two days, fans can expect high drama. There will be intense rivalries. Dreams are on the line as teams battle for a place in the semifinals. For some, it’s about qualification to the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Here’s a breakdown of the quarterfinal matchups and what to expect from each clash:

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Nigeria vs Zambia

Friday July 18, 2025 | Time: 17:00 |  Venue: Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca

This tie promises to be one of the standout encounters of the quarterfinals. Nine-time champions Nigeria, ever the tournament heavyweights, face a rising Zambian side brimming with confidence and attacking flair.

The Super Falcons have shown tactical discipline and squad depth under coach Justin Madugu, while Zambia’s Copper Queens, led by star striker Barbra Banda, continue to prove they are no pushovers in African women’s football.

Zambia will be looking to avenge their semi-final loss to Nigeria in 2022 and prove they can go toe-to-toe with Africa’s most decorated women’s team. The physical battle in midfield and pace on the flanks could be decisive.

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Morocco vs Mali

Friday, July 18, 2025 |  Time: 20:00 |  Venue: Stade Olympique, Rabat

Host nation Morocco will enjoy passionate home support under the Rabat lights as they clash with Mali in what promises to be a tactical chess match. The Atlas Lionesses, runners-up in 2022, have grown in maturity and cohesion, and will look to harness their home advantage to reach the semifinals once again.

Mali, however, will not be overawed. They have shown grit and resilience in their journey so far and will aim to upset the hosts with disciplined defending and counterattacks. A tight contest could come down to moments of individual brilliance or a set-piece decider.

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Algeria vs Ghana

Saturday July 19, 2025 |  Time: 17:00 |  Venue: Berkane Stadium, Berkane

Ghana’s Black Queens head into this clash as slight favourites after a strong group-stage campaign, but they will be wary of a spirited Algerian side that has shown defensive tenacity. Ghana boasts a balanced squad with firepower from the likes of Evelyn Badu and Princella Adubea, and will look to control the tempo early.

Algeria, meanwhile, will need to absorb pressure and take their chances efficiently. With both teams chasing a semifinal return after years of near misses, the intensity will be high. This is a match where experience and composure may outweigh flair.

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South Africa vs Senegal

Saturday, July 19, 2025 | 🕗 Time: 20:00 |  Venue: Stade de l’Honneur, Oujda

Defending champions South Africa are on a mission to retain their crown, and their commanding performance in the group stage suggests they remain the team to beat. Led by experienced stars like Refiloe Jane and Hildah Magaia, Banyana Banyana bring pace, precision, and tactical clarity to every match.

Senegal, however, are quietly gaining momentum and will relish the underdog tag. Their physicality and disciplined structure could pose challenges, especially if they frustrate South Africa and force errors. Expect a battle of styles: South Africa’s flowing football versus Senegal’s structured solidity.

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What’s at Stake?

Beyond semifinal places, the WAFCON quarterfinals are crucial as the top four teams will also secure automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup. For teams like Zambia and Mali, it’s a chance to make history. For Nigeria and South Africa, it’s about legacy and dominance. And for Morocco, it’s the weight and pride of hosting a nation’s hopes.

As knockout football begins, expect surprises, heart-stopping moments, and African women’s football at its most thrilling.

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