Zambia Vows to 'Surprise' Nigeria as WAFCON Group C Decider Turns Into a Knockout Game
Nigeria need a win against Zambia on Saturday or their WAFCON title defence ends in the group stage. Zambia's coach isn't interested in helping them survive.
"My team, Zambia, never plays for a draw, our nature is to win. We can also surprise Nigeria. I have a lot of confidence in my team that we will bring our performance on point. Every game is a challenge," Häuptle told reporters at her pre-match press conference, as reported by Pan Africa Football.
On paper, Nigeria carry every advantage. The Super Falcons are the tournament's 10-time champions with 15 WAFCON appearances to Zambia's five, and they sit 36th in the FIFA world rankings against Zambia's 69th, according to figures cited by Pan Africa Football. But this WAFCON has already punished teams for trusting the paper form. Tanzania beat 2022 champions South Africa 2-1, and debutants Malawi beat Nigeria 3-2 in the tournament opener, both results the site flagged as evidence the gap between the continent's traditional powers and its outsiders is closing.
Zambia arrive with their own momentum. Captain Barbra Banda scored four goals in a 6-0 win over Egypt earlier in the group stage, an outing that put her in early contention for the tournament's Golden Boot, per Pan Africa Football. Forward Rachael Kundananji says the squad feels ready for the step up.
"The morale in camp is high, and the team is ready. We understand that it is not an easy task ahead. It won't be an easy game," Kundananji told Zambia FA media, in comments carried by Pan Africa Football.
A Zambia win locks up a quarterfinal spot. For Nigeria, anything less than victory could mean an early exit, with qualification no longer fully in their own hands.
Kick-off is 9:00 PM WAT (4:00 PM ET / 20:00 GMT) at Al Madina Stadium in Morocco.
