Mission X in Peril: Can Nigeria Convert Chances Against Zambia?

Emmanuel Oladele Thursday, July 17, 2025

Nigeria’s Super Falcons, heading into the 2024 WAFCON quarter-final against Zambia:

Nigeria is the tournament's most successful side, entering their 14th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and aiming for a record-breaking 10th title. Despite a semi-final exit to Morocco in 2022 and a bronze loss to Zambia that same year, the Falcons remain Africa’s dominant force.

Group Stage Performances

3–0 win versus Tunisia: A commanding start which mirrored their 2016 opening success.
1–0 win over Botswana: Chinwendu Ihezuo’s stoppage-time strike secured progression, keeping their defense unbeaten.
0–0 draw with Algeria: Despite dominating possession (24 shots), finishing woes dominated the headlines.

Overall, Nigeria tallied four goals from three games, but their attacking efficiency remains a pressing concern.

Attack: Firepower vs Efficiency

Head coach Justin “Justine” Madugu has openly flagged scoring inefficiencies as the Falcon's Achilles' heel. His team generated plenty of chances but struggled to capitalize, especially against Algeria. “We need to be creative and bold” to rediscover their goal-scoring touch, Madugu emphasized.

Key attackers like Rasheedat Ajibade, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Jennifer Echegini, Esther Okoronkwo, and veteran forward Francisca Ordega will be expected to convert opportunities in the knockout round.

Defense & Goalkeeping: Fortress on the Rise

Backing the faltering attack is a resolute defense. The team has kept three clean sheets, conceding zero goals in the tournament so far—marking their strongest defensive start since 1998.

Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie continued to impress, making crucial saves in the Algeria match and earning player-of-the-match honors for that performance.

Tactical Prep vs Zambia

Their quarter-final showdown against Zambia in Casablanca is much more than just a match—it’s a statement. Zambia arrives with a fearsome attack spearheaded by Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji.

Madugu asserts that Nigeria has thoroughly analyzed their opponents. “We know what they can do… we’ll work on neutralizing their strengths,” he said. Zambia head coach Nora Häuptle echoed readiness, citing rest and preparation as their strategic advantage.

Key Players to Watch

Player	Role & Impact
Rasheedat Ajibade	Captain & midfield dynamo; pivotal in buildup and goal creation
Chinwendu Ihezuo	Super sub turned starter, clutch goals for Nigeria’s progression
Chiamaka Nnadozie	Defensive rock between the posts and tournament standout
Esther Okoronkwo & Jennifer Echegini	Forming a dynamic forward line supporting Ihezuo and Ajibade