• Kick-Off Time, How to Watch game

From our Sports desk, Benin

In a few hours, the Nigeria’s Super Falcons will be seeking to crawl their way back into the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign when they face Zambia’s Copper Queens in a crucial Group C showdown tonight, in Casablanca.

The 10-time African champions are going into the encounter under intense pressure after a shocking loss of 3-2 to tournament debutants; Malawi in their opening game last Tuesday.

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The prevailing situation is no doubt dicy, and has left Justin Madugu’s side with no chance for error in the race for a place in the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, the Zambia national senior female team goes into this game on the strength of an impressive opening victory, having thrashed the Egyptian side unprecedented 6-0.

Therefore, the Casablanca showdown poses a high intensity game for the Super Falcons and a mere draw will fortify the Zambia team chances of qualification for the quarter finals.

Match Details

Fixture: Nigeria vs Zambia

Competition: 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) – Group C

Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026

Kick-off: 9:00 pm WAT (10:00 pm CAT)

Venue: Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca, Morocco

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How to Watch

Supporters across Africa and beyond can watch the match live on SuperSport via DStv and GOtv, AfroSport, NTA in Nigeria, ZNBC in Zambia, while the CAF TV YouTube channel will provide free live streaming for international viewers.

A Defining Night for the Super Falcons

Nigeria’s defeat to Malawi has transformed what was expected to be a routine group fixture into a must-win encounter.

Another loss would leave the Super Falcons facing the real possibility of a group-stage exit, while even a draw would leave qualification hanging in the balance ahead of their final match against Egypt.

Victory, however, would completely revive Nigeria’s campaign and restore confidence as the team pursues a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.

Head coach Justin Madugu is expected to demand a much-improved performance, particularly from a defence that looked vulnerable in the opening game and an attack that failed to capitalise on several promising opportunities.

Zambia Sensing Opportunity

The Copper Queens have developed into one of Africa’s most dangerous sides and will approach the contest with confidence after making a winning start to the tournament.

Much of the spotlight will once again fall on captain Barbra Banda, whose pace, power and clinical finishing have made her one of the continent’s most feared forwards.

Nigeria’s backline will need to remain disciplined throughout the contest, while the midfield must provide better protection than it did against Malawi.

Players to Watch

The Super Falcons will rely on the experience of captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Esther Okonkwo and Uchenna Kanu to inspire the response expected from the African giants.

For Zambia, Banda remains the player capable of deciding the match, with her movement and finishing likely to pose Nigeria’s biggest threat.

History Favours Nigeria

Although Nigeria has historically dominated this fixture, including a convincing 5-0 victory over Zambia at the previous WAFCON, the gap between the two nations has narrowed significantly in recent years.

The Copper Queens have emerged as genuine continental contenders, ensuring Saturday’s encounter promises to be a fiercely contested battle.

For the Super Falcons, the equation is straightforward. Three points would revive their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds and keep alive the dream of another African title.

Anything less could leave Nigeria’s WAFCON 2026 campaign on the brink of an early and unexpected exit.

What to know about Zambia’s Copper Queens

Teams Profile: Zambia

Nickname: Copper Queens

FIFA RANKING: 103

HOW THEY QUALIFIED:

Zambia squeezed past COSAFA rivals Malawi 4-3 on aggregate to reach the second round stage. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic campaigners went on to edge another COSAFA neighbour Namibia on away goals rule to clinch their second consecutive and third qualification ticket after a 1-1 draw on aggregate.

First Round: Malawi 1-1 Zambia (2-3)

Second Round: Zambia 0-0 Namibia (1-1)

PREPARATIONS:

Copper Queens commenced preparation with a local camp two weeks ago, with local friendly between an All Stars and the Rest ending in a barren draw. They have regroup again for a two-match series against WAFCON debutants and neighbours, Botswana on April 29 and May 2.

COACH: Bruce Mwape

After 2014 debut, the Copper Queens made a return to continent football under the watch of Mwape in 2018 and a year later, he led them to a first ever COSAFA Women’s Cup final. In 2020, he guided the team to a maiden Olympic qualification and now is hoping to surpass his 2018 semifinals feat in a bid to make another history, clinching a first ever Women’s World Cup ticket.

KEY PLAYERS:

Barbra Banda

Banda won the Chinese Women’s Super League topscorer with 18 goals for Shanghai Shengli on her first season in 2020. Earlier, she inspired Zambia to a first ever Olympic qualification, upsetting Cameroon. A year later, she made indelible marks at the Tokyo Olympics, where she became first female player in Olympics history to score back-to-back hat tricks and the first to score two hat tricks in one tournament.

Grace Chanda

The attacking midfielder finished as topscorer in the African qualifiers for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, scoring eight goals. A year later, she scooped the FAZ Women’s National League Best Player of the Season Award and the Top Scorer of the Year Award, scoring 35 goals in 26 games. In February, her exploits earned her professional contract with Kazakhstan champions BIIK Kazykurt, where she has made an instant mark, winning the Women’s Cup.

Hazel Nali

The former Green Buffaloes shot stopper is making a mark in Europe since her move abroad in 2020. The Zambia first choice goalkeeper enjoyed a fine season at Hapoel Be’er Sheva in Israel last season and is currently on the books of Turkish side Fatih Vatanspor, where she has kept at least four clean sheets this season. Her good form and experience playing in Europe will be a huge benefits to Zambia at the women’s championship.

Credit: CAF

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