AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s Super Falcons must win against Zambia tonight; otherwise, the ten-time champions will miss out on the 2027 Women’s FIFA World Cup, which will also end their title defense.
The memories of the Chawinga sisters still linger as Malawi secured a famous win over the Super Falcons in their debut appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Zambia also have similar players with pace, power and mesmerizing skills in their ranks as they look to beat the Super Falcons for the second time tonight.
The Copper Bullet ladies started the competition on an explosive note after a convincing 6-0 win over Egypt in their opening match.
The Super Falcons are condemned to win convincingly tonight after the disappointing result against Malawi. Still, they must be wary of three Zambian players who can send them out of the competition.
Even though the Super Falcons hold a very healthy head-to-head record over Zambia, the must-win clash comes with a clear warning: three players in copper and green have the quality to end the Super Falcons’ title defense and their World Cup hopes in one night.
Here are the players Justin Madugu’s side must contain in Rabat.
1. Barbra Banda
Banda tore Egypt apart with four goals in Zambia’s 6-0 opening win, announcing herself as one of the most dangerous strikers at this WAFCON. The Orlando Pride captain combines raw power, blistering pace and clinical finishing. Nigeria’s defenders cannot afford a single lapse in concentration whenever she gets a sniff of goal.
2. Racheal Kundananji
Kundananji thrives on running directly at defenders and stretching backlines with her explosive pace. Alongside Banda, she forms one of the most feared strike partnerships at the tournament. When the pair combine in transition, half-chances can turn into goals within seconds.
3. Grace Chanda
Chanda is the creative spark behind Zambia’s attack. Operating from midfield, she picks out incisive passes that unlock space in behind defenses. If she is given time on the ball, Banda and Kundananji will get the service they need to punish any hesitation from the Super Falcons.
The Super Falcons cannot afford to repeat the mistakes that cost them against Malawi. They must stay compact defensively, dominate the midfield battle and take their chances early, because another slip tonight would leave their bid for a record-extending 11th title and their place at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil hanging by a thread.
