Super Falcons Face Must-Win Zambia Clash After Shock Malawi Defeat

The Super Falcons of Nigeria will look to revive their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title defence when they face Zambia in a crucial Group C encounter on Saturday in Morocco.

The 10-time African champions suffered a stunning 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in their opening match in Rabat on Tuesday, leaving the holders with little room for error in their bid to reach the knockout stage and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria fell two goals behind after a goalless first half before a dramatic stoppage-time spell produced three goals. The Falcons scored twice, but Malawi struck again to complete one of the biggest shocks in the history of the competition.

The defeat means Nigeria must respond against a Zambia side that began its campaign in emphatic fashion, thrashing Egypt 6-0 to move top of Group C on goal difference.

The Copper Queens also possess considerable attacking firepower, led by Barcelona forward and captain Barbra Banda, with Racheal Kundananji and Grace Chanda providing further threats.

For Nigeria, Saturday’s encounter is about more than simply recovering from the Malawi setback. The Falcons are chasing a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and must avoid another costly result if they are to maintain their record of appearing at every edition of the global tournament since its inception in 1991.

There is also recent history between the two sides. Zambia denied Nigeria a medal at the 2022 WAFCON after defeating the defending champions in the third-place play-off. The Falcons responded three years later by crushing the Copper Queens 5-0 in a quarter-final encounter.

Nigeria head coach Justine Madugu insists the shock defeat has not changed the team’s objectives.

‘We are focused and not deterred. Our objective remains picking the FIFA World Cup ticket and going ahead to retain our trophy,’ Madugu said.