The Super Falcons continue their Women’s African Cup of Nations campaign with a quarterfinal clash against last edition’s bronze medalists Zambia. Ayomide Oguntimehin provides insight into the July 18th clash.
Nigeria W vs Zambia W preview
The Super Falcons qualified for the knockout stages of the competition as Group B winners, finishing ahead of Algeria, Botswana and Tunisia. The Super Falcons began their campaign with a convincing 3-0 win with goals from Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide and Chinwendu Ihezuo. A late goal by Chinwendu Ihezuo, her second of the tournament, secured Nigeria’s spot in the knockout with a 1-0 win over Botswana, before securing top spot in the group with a goalless draw against Algeria on matchday 3 to setup a clash against Zambia in the quarterfinals. They are also yet to concede a goal at this year’s tournament, showcasing their defensive stability.
Zambia, on the other hand, finished as runners-up in Group A behind Morocco. The Copper queens started their campaign with an entertaining 2-2 draw against Morocco. In their second group game, Orlando Pride’s forward Barbra Banda scored her third and fourth goals of the tournament with a 3-2 win over Senegal. Zambia concluded their group campaign with a 1-0 win over Democratic Republic of Congo to setup a rematch of the 2022 bronze medal match against Nigeria. Zambia scored six goals in the group stages, with their attack the joint-second best at the tournament.
Nigeria W vs Zambia W Head to Head
- 22.07.22 – Nigeria W 0-1 Zambia W
- 21.11.18 – Nigeria W 4-0 Zambia W
- 14.10.14 – Zambia W 0-6 Nigeria W
Nigeria have claimed the upper hand in recent meetings, winning twice in the past three meetings between both sides. However, Zambia claimed the upper hand in the last meeting in the third-placed match in the 2022 edition.
Recent Form: Nigeria W
The Super Falcons have been in superb form in recent matches, with six wins in their last nine matches in all competitions. Nigeria only failed to score twice in that run, while they are yet to concede a goal in this year’s tournament.
Recent Form: Zambia W
The Copper Queens also head into the crucial semifinal clash in strong form, with just one defeat in their last seven matches. However, they conceded four goals in their first two matches of the competition, highlighting weaknesses in their defense.
Player to Watch: Chinwendu Ihezuo (Nigeria W)
The Super Falcons forward has scored twice in the competition already despite only making the starting lineups once. However, her pace and ability to thrive in close spaces will be key if Nigeria are to overcome the Copper Queens.
Best Betting Odds
- Home (Nigeria) to Win: 1,8 (via 1xBet)
Prediction
The Super Falcons were impressive in their group matches and have never been eliminated at this stage of the competition. However, they should be able to shut out Zambia’s attacking threat and seal their spot in the semifinal.
