Zambia, unbeaten in the group stage, secured second place in Group A with seven points, advancing alongside Nigeria and Senegal to the last eight. The quarterfinal showdown on Friday will be a repeat of the 2022 third-place playoff, where Zambia claimed a historic 1–0 victory over the Super Falcons.
“We Are Not Afraid of Nigeria” – Nachula
Speaking ahead of the match, Nachula praised Zambia’s strong campaign so far, noting the high level of competition in their group.
“My teammates and I are very happy because we managed to come second in our group, which I believe was very tough. Three teams from our group qualified for the quarterfinals, which shows how strong it was,” she said.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s pedigree as record WAFCON champions, Nachula believes Zambia has earned its place among the continent’s elite.
“We know Nigeria is one of the best teams in Africa, but we are also one of the best. We can conquer every team, and we are not scared of Nigeria.”
Focused on Execution
Nachula emphasized that the team is mentally and physically ready, fully committed to executing Coach Nora Häuptle’s tactical approach.
“Nothing is going to disturb us mentally or physically. All we need is to work extra hard, stay focused, and follow the coach’s instructions. We are ready for Nigeria.”
Using History as Fuel
Reflecting on Zambia’s bronze medal win over Nigeria in 2022, Nachula said the result remains a source of confidence and inspiration.
“That victory gave us motivation. No matter how big the team is, we can beat them. We are the Copper Queens, and we know what we are capable of doing.”
Zambia’s hunger to reach new heights is clear, and their resolve will be tested against a Nigeria side determined to reclaim the continental crown.
What’s at Stake
The winner of the Zambia vs Nigeria quarterfinal will face either South Africa or Senegal in the semi-final, moving one step closer to lifting the WAFCON trophy and securing automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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