Copper Queens Coach Häuptle Ready to "Hunt" Super Falcons in WAFCON Quarterfinal Showdown

Zambia head coach Nora Häuptle has declared her squad fully prepared and determined ahead of their highly anticipated WAFCON 2024 quarterfinal clash against tournament heavyweights Nigeria this Friday in Casablanca.

Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Häuptle expressed confidence in her team’s evolution and hunger, highlighting their undefeated run in the group stage as a source of momentum going into the knockout phase.

“My team is ready for the quarterfinal. We had a good evolution through the group stages where we were unbeaten. It feels a bit like a final already—Zambia against Nigeria,” said Häuptle. “We respect Nigeria, they’ve won this tournament several times. But I can assure you, my team is very hungry. We are here to hunt.”

In a mixed update for the Copper Queens, influential midfielder Grace Chanda returns from suspension and is available for selection. However, Xiomara Mapepa has been ruled out on medical grounds and has been released from the squad.

Zambia will face Nigeria—Africa’s most successful women’s team—on Friday at 18:00 CAT at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, with a coveted place in the semi-finals of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on the line.