WAFCON 2025: Super Falcons set up quarter-final clash with Zambia

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face Zambia’s Copper Queens in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after playing out a goalless draw with Algeria in their final Group B fixture on Sunday in Casablanca.

The result saw the nine-time African champions advance to the last eight for the first time ever under the new tournament format, setting up a mouthwatering quarter-final clash with Zambia on Friday.

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu made eight changes to the squad that edged Botswana 1-0 on Thursday, opting to rest several key players ahead of the crucial quarter-final tie. Defenders Shukurat Oladipo, Miracle Usani and Sikiratu Isah, midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini, and forwards Francisca Ordega, Ifeoma Onumonu and Chinwendu Ihezuo all returned to the starting lineup, alongside regulars Chiamaka Nnadozie, Tosin Demehin and captain Rasheedat Ajibade.

Despite dominating possession, the Falcons were unable to find a breakthrough as Algeria, like Botswana, adopted a defensive approach, crowding their half to frustrate Nigeria’s attacking flow.

Ordega, one of Nigeria’s liveliest performers, came close before the break when her cross spilled to Onumonu, but her effort was blocked before reaching goalkeeper Chloe N’gazi Boumrar.

The second half saw a series of near misses. A scramble in the Algerian box in the 52nd minute failed to produce a goal, and minutes later, Ordega set up Ajibade, who was quickly double-teamed and dispossessed.

Substitute Esther Okoronkwo, alongside Ordega and Echegini, tried to push for a late winner, but the resolute Algerian defense held firm to secure a point and seal their own place in the quarter-finals.

With the group stage now behind them, all eyes are on Friday’s high-stakes encounter between the Super Falcons and Zambia, with a semi-final berth on the line.