WAFCON 2026: Super Falcons Seek Redemption Against Zambia
A frantic stoppage-time collapse cost Nigeria their opener against Malawi. Now a win over Zambia’s Barbra Banda led attack is essential to stay alive in the group.
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Defending champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons face a must-win clash against Zambia in Rabat on Saturday, needing a positive result to revive their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
The Super Falcons suffered a stunning 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in their opening fixture, a result that sent shockwaves through African women’s football. After a goalless first half, Malawi raced into a two goal lead before a frantic finish produced three goals in stoppage time Nigeria struck twice, but Malawi held on to seal a famous win in their maiden appearance at the tournament.
The defeat leaves the ten time African champions with little margin for error. Victory over Zambia is essential to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stages and of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Standing in their way are a confident Zambia side who sit atop Group C after thrashing Egypt 6-0 in their own opener. The Copper Queens boast one of the continent’s most dangerous attacks, led by reigning CAF Women’s Player of the Year Barbra Banda, and supported by Rachael Kundananji and Grace Chanda.
For Nigeria, missing the 2027 World Cup would be a significant blow to a record that stretches back to the tournament’s inception in China in 1991, an edition the Super Falcons have featured at every time since.
Recent history between the two sides adds extra edge. Zambia denied Nigeria a podium finish at the 2022 WAFCON, winning the third place playoff, but the Super Falcons responded emphatically last year, beating the Copper Queens 5-0 in the quarter finals.
Did You Know?
- Nigeria lost their WAFCON 2026 opener 3-2 to tournament debutants Malawi, with three goals coming in stoppage time.
- Zambia opened their campaign with a 6-0 win over Egypt.
- Nigeria have featured at every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in China in 1991.
- Zambia beat Nigeria in the third-place playoff at the 2022 WAFCON.
- Nigeria beat Zambia 5-0 in the quarter-finals of the previous WAFCON edition.
- Barbra Banda is the reigning CAF Women’s Player of the Year.
- Nigeria are 10-time WAFCON champions, the most successful nation in the tournament’s history.
