The Copper Queens will head into the match in high spirits after beating Egypt 6-0 in their opening match; a result that saw them move to the top of the group on goal difference.
Another three points for the Copper Queens would guarantee them a place in the last eight with one group game to spare.
Speaking during a pre-match press conference at Moulay El Hassan Stadium on Friday, Copper Queens head coach Nora Hauptle said she expects a far sterner test than the one her side faced against Egypt.
Zambia need to adjust against Nigeria
“Basically, we have a good mood in camp. Our opening game went well but we also know that the game against Nigeria will be completely different, so we keep our feet on the ground.
“We need to adjust against Nigeria. We are good to go tomorrow (Saturday),” said Hauptle.
The Zambian trainer knows Nigeria’s backs are against the wall and expects the defending champions to respond with everything they have.
Hauptle said her players will stick to their own approach rather than be distracted by the pressure on their opponents.
“We know that Nigeria needs to win this game or else they will be out. We are aware of Nigeria’s strength. We are fully prepared and expect Nigeria to come with their full stamina,” explained the Swiss tactician.
“We are focused on ourselves, we have a clear plan, and we discussed today how to execute our plan. My team Zambia never plays for a draw; our nature is to win.
“We can also surprise Nigeria. I have a lot of confidence in my team that we bring our performance on point. Every game is a challenge.”
Speaking on behalf of the players, forward Racheal Kundananji said the squad is embracing the challenge of facing the African champions and believes the Copper Queens are ready to rise to the occasion.
“The morale in camp is high and the team is ready. We understand that it is not an easy task ahead. It won’t be an easy game,” said Kundananji.
“We are looking forward to the game, and we want to do our best. The team is fully prepared for the game. Winning this match will be good for the team and the entire nation.”
Zambia are chasing an early berth in the quarter-finals, while Nigeria are fighting to keep their title defence alive. The Copper Queens have already set their sights on the WAFCON trophy and hope to better their bronze-medal finish from 2022.
In another Group B battle, Malawi, who stunned champions Nigeria 3-2 in the opener, will come up against Egypt’s Cleopatras.
WAFCON 2026
The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is taking place from July 26th to August 16th in Morocco, across venues in Rabat and Casablanca. The continent's 16 best sides are competing in groups of four before the knockout stages commence on August 8th.
All you need to know about WAFCON | Group standings, fixtures and results | All the latest WAFCON news
Malawi not in comfort zone
Ahead of the clash, the Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili has maintained the players will not be distracted by their win against Nigeria.
“I want to assure Malawians that this is a totally different and difficult game because we are not yet through to the quarter-finals. This match is very important for us,” said Fazili.
The coach said the team has worked on all key tactical aspects and is targeting another victory to strengthen their chances of progressing to the knockout stage.
“We have addressed almost all the technical issues so that we can come out victorious. We are not just looking for three points, but we also want to score more goals because goal difference could become important.
“There is no comfort zone and no honeymoon. The players know exactly what is at stake tomorrow (Saturday). We have managed them well and they remain fully focused.”
Following their win against the Falcons, Malawi are second with three points, and a victory over Egypt would take them to six points and move them closer to a historic place in the quarter-finals.
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