By KUNLE SOLAJA.

As Nigeria’s Super Falcons prepare for this Friday’s quarter-final showdown at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), they do so with history—and an unshakable reputation—firmly on their side.

Progressing to the knockout stage for a record-extending 13th time, the Falcons are aiming to continue their unbroken streak of reaching the semi-finals in every edition they’ve contested.

That consistency is no coincidence. The most successful team in WAFCON history, Nigeria, have dominated the competition with nine titles and a ruthless efficiency in the latter stages.

 They have never lost a quarter-final and are now set to play their 14th direct knockout match in the tournament’s history.

 Their record in these pressure-cooker fixtures stands at 10 wins and three losses (including shootouts), with all defeats coming in semi-final matches—in 2008, 2012, and most recently, in 2022.

But what stands out in this campaign is not just Nigeria’s historical pedigree, but a noticeable shift in their tactical DNA—an emphasis on defensive solidity.

 For the first time since 1998, the Super Falcons navigated the group phase without conceding a single goal. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been imperious between the sticks, anchoring a backline that has rediscovered its resilience.

Their goalless draw with Algeria in the final group match may have ended their run of group-stage wins, but it also extended their unbeaten record, underlining a growing maturity in game management.

 Notably, Nigeria scored just four goals in the group phase—their lowest tally since 2008—suggesting a shift from their traditional high-scoring flair to a more measured and controlled approach.

This is only the second time that Nigeria are playing a formal quarter-final fixture in the tournament’s current format.

Their first came in 2022, a narrow 1–0 win over Cameroon, secured by Rasheedat Ajibade’s decisive strike. With Ajibade likely to feature prominently again, Nigeria will be banking on their blend of experience, structure, and attacking bursts to carry them through.

In penalty shootouts, the Super Falcons boast a solid record—three wins and one loss—adding another layer of psychological assurance should their quarter-final encounter stretch beyond regulation time.

As the knockout rounds begin, Nigeria are not just chasing another title—they are showing signs of evolution.

 From a team once defined primarily by its attacking prowess, the Super Falcons are developing into a side that can also grind out results with discipline and defensive cohesion.

If history is any guide, a 13th semi-final beckons. If form is the metric, the Falcons may be more formidable than ever.

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As anticipation builds for the mouthwatering quarterfinal showdown between Nigeria and Zambia at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Zambian publication, Bola News has labelled the Friday encounter as “a final before the final.” With two of the continent’s top teams clashing earlier than many would have liked, Friday’s encounter promises fireworks, but heartbreak is guaranteed for one side.

Nigeria and Zambia represented Africa at the Women’s football event of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Both were also at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia.

For Nigeria, the nine-time WAFCON champions, a blend of experienced stalwarts and rising stars has emerged from the group stage with renewed belief.

 Unbeaten and yet to concede a goal, the Super Falcons have swept aside Algeria, Botswana, and Tunisia, but now face their sternest test in the Copper Queens of Zambia.

As the West African giants prepare for the quarterfinal battle in Morocco, a number of players have stood out, and according to Zambia’s Bola News, these players should command special attention as they will be pivotal in Friday’s match.

Rinsola Babajide – A Constant Menace on the Flanks

The Spain-based winger has been electric for Nigeria, especially in the latter stages of the group phase.

Her standout performance came in the 3–0 victory over Tunisia, where she not only found the net but tormented defenders with her pace, dribbling, and positional awareness.
Averaging a match rating of 7.7 across her three appearances, Babajide’s ability to stretch defences and create scoring opportunities makes her a major concern for Zambia’s backline.

Ashleigh Plumptre – Fortress on the Left

The England-born left-back has been a crucial part of Nigeria’s defensive resilience. Featuring prominently in the wins against Botswana and Tunisia, where Nigeria kept clean sheets,

Plumptre brings structure, experience, and leadership to the Falcons’ rearguard.
With an average rating of 7.6 in her two appearances, she not only solidifies the defence but also supports the attack by offering width and overlapping runs.

Her return to the lineup against Zambia after being rested against Algeria is expected to bolster Nigeria’s backline.

Rasheedat Ajibade – Midfield Dynamo

Whether deployed in midfield or a more attacking role, Ajibade has been a livewire for the Super Falcons.

Rasheedat Ajibade

The Atlético Madrid star has been ever-present in all three group games, consistently pressing high, drawing fouls, and creating space.
Never dipping below a 6.5 match rating, her tactical intelligence and versatility will be key against a well-organised Zambian team.

Halimatu Ayinde – The Engine Room

At 30, Ayinde continues to perform with remarkable composure and intelligence. While she might not dominate the headlines, her importance in the Nigerian midfield cannot be overstated.

Zambians’ attention will be on Halimat Ayinde

Rested for the final group match, Ayinde was instrumental in the wins over Botswana and Tunisia — dictating tempo, breaking up opposition play, and shielding the defence with disciplined positioning. Zambia must find a way to disrupt her rhythm if they hope to gain a foothold in midfield.

Asisat Oshoala – The Silent Assassin

Despite limited minutes so far, Nigeria’s marquee forward remains a looming threat. Oshoala has played just 90 minutes over two games, with her most influential display coming against Tunisia.

Asisat Oshoala will be closely marked.

Now with Bay FC in the U.S., the five-time CAF Player of the Year can turn games with a single moment of brilliance. Even when she’s quiet, Oshoala demands vigilance — one mistake, and she’ll pounce. 

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Nigeria’s Head Coach, Justine Madugu, says the Super Falcons are mentally, psychologically, and tactically primed for Friday’s blockbuster Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarterfinal clash against Zambia’s Copper Queens.

Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated encounter at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Madugu expressed confidence in his team’s preparation and focus, stating that the Nigerian side has studied their Zambian opponents and are leaving nothing to chance.

“We are working on our strategies both offensively and defensively,” Madugu said. “We’ve watched Zambia play, we’ve analysed their strengths and weaknesses individually and as a unit. We know their key players and the threats they pose if given space. Our players are fully aware — there will be no room for errors.”

The encounter, which kicks off at 5:00 p.m. local time (same as Nigerian time), is being described by analysts as a potential tournament-defining fixture — a clash that could reshape the power dynamics in African women’s football.

Madugu emphasized the importance of focus and belief as Nigeria edges closer to what he described as “Mission X” — a bid to capture a record-extending 10th continental title.

“We must be alert at all times, have self-belief and confidence, and be motivated to achieve victory. Every player understands the task at hand,” he added.

High Stakes, Fierce Rivals

Nigeria, the most successful team in WAFCON history, are seeking to reassert their dominance after emerging from a solid group stage campaign. Zambia, meanwhile, are widely seen as one of the continent’s rising forces, having earned respect with their consistent growth and eye-catching performances in recent tournaments.

Friday’s quarterfinal is expected to produce fireworks — and the implications go beyond just qualification. A win for either team would send a clear message about who holds sway in African women’s football.

The victor will move on to face the winner of another heavyweight clash between reigning champions South Africa and Senegal.

The other semifinal bracket features host nation Morocco and Algeria, adding more intrigue to a tournament that has delivered drama and quality in equal measure.

For Nigeria, victory on Friday would not only take them one step closer to a 10th title but would also reaffirm their pedigree as the team to beat on the continent — a legacy they’ve built since the inaugural edition of the competition in 1998.

As the countdown continues, all eyes turn to Casablanca, where two African giants will battle for glory, pride, and a place in the WAFCON semifinals.

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