AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s Super Falcons face a tough test when they take on Zambia in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Friday in Casablanca.
Zambia, unbeaten in the group stage, are one of the tournament’s most exciting attacking sides.
To reach the semifinals, Nigeria must keep close watch on three key players from the Copper Queens.
1. Barbra Banda
Banda is Zambia’s captain and top scorer. Known for her blistering pace and strength, Banda has become one of the most feared forwards in African women’s football.
She scored four goals at the 2024 Olympics, including a hat-trick against Australia, and has continued that form into the WAFCON with two goals scored in the group stages.
Banda leads the press, attacks defenders directly, and is lethal in front of goal. Nigeria must close her down early and avoid giving her space near the box.
2. Racheal Kundananji
Kundananji is Banda’s perfect strike partner. A consistent goal scorer and powerful runner, she has scored in every match of the group stage and was recently named Player of the Match twice in a row.
Her movement off the ball and link-up play make her difficult to mark, so the Super Falcons must cut off her supply and track her runs tightly.
3. Grace Chanda
Chanda operates from midfield and is responsible for building Zambia’s attacks. Strong, smart, and composed, she connects play between the defense and forwards.
Nigeria must press her high and limit her ability to dictate the tempo or pick out forward passes.
All three players were instrumental in Zambia’s unbeaten group run and featured in the WAFCON group stage Best XI.
If Nigeria can successfully shut them down, they will significantly increase their chances of reaching the semi-finals and taking another step toward a record 10th title.
