WAFCON
WAFCON 2024: Zambian publication names Nigeria’s Key Players to watch in Quarterfinal Clash with Zambia
As anticipation builds for the mouthwatering quarterfinal showdown between Nigeria and Zambia at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Zambian publication, Bola News has labelled the Friday encounter as “a final before the final.” With two of the continent’s top teams clashing earlier than many would have liked, Friday’s encounter promises fireworks, but heartbreak is guaranteed for one side.
Nigeria and Zambia represented Africa at the Women’s football event of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Both were also at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia.
For Nigeria, the nine-time WAFCON champions, a blend of experienced stalwarts and rising stars has emerged from the group stage with renewed belief.
Unbeaten and yet to concede a goal, the Super Falcons have swept aside Algeria, Botswana, and Tunisia, but now face their sternest test in the Copper Queens of Zambia.
As the West African giants prepare for the quarterfinal battle in Morocco, a number of players have stood out, and according to Zambia’s Bola News, these players should command special attention as they will be pivotal in Friday’s match.
Rinsola Babajide – A Constant Menace on the Flanks
The Spain-based winger has been electric for Nigeria, especially in the latter stages of the group phase.
Her standout performance came in the 3–0 victory over Tunisia, where she not only found the net but tormented defenders with her pace, dribbling, and positional awareness.
Averaging a match rating of 7.7 across her three appearances, Babajide’s ability to stretch defences and create scoring opportunities makes her a major concern for Zambia’s backline.
Ashleigh Plumptre – Fortress on the Left
The England-born left-back has been a crucial part of Nigeria’s defensive resilience. Featuring prominently in the wins against Botswana and Tunisia, where Nigeria kept clean sheets,
Plumptre brings structure, experience, and leadership to the Falcons’ rearguard.
With an average rating of 7.6 in her two appearances, she not only solidifies the defence but also supports the attack by offering width and overlapping runs.
Her return to the lineup against Zambia after being rested against Algeria is expected to bolster Nigeria’s backline.
Rasheedat Ajibade – Midfield Dynamo
Whether deployed in midfield or a more attacking role, Ajibade has been a livewire for the Super Falcons.
Rasheedat Ajibade
The Atlético Madrid star has been ever-present in all three group games, consistently pressing high, drawing fouls, and creating space.
Never dipping below a 6.5 match rating, her tactical intelligence and versatility will be key against a well-organised Zambian team.
Halimatu Ayinde – The Engine Room
At 30, Ayinde continues to perform with remarkable composure and intelligence. While she might not dominate the headlines, her importance in the Nigerian midfield cannot be overstated.
Zambians’ attention will be on Halimat Ayinde
Rested for the final group match, Ayinde was instrumental in the wins over Botswana and Tunisia — dictating tempo, breaking up opposition play, and shielding the defence with disciplined positioning. Zambia must find a way to disrupt her rhythm if they hope to gain a foothold in midfield.
Asisat Oshoala – The Silent Assassin
Despite limited minutes so far, Nigeria’s marquee forward remains a looming threat. Oshoala has played just 90 minutes over two games, with her most influential display coming against Tunisia.
Asisat Oshoala will be closely marked.
Now with Bay FC in the U.S., the five-time CAF Player of the Year can turn games with a single moment of brilliance. Even when she’s quiet, Oshoala demands vigilance — one mistake, and she’ll pounce.
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By Kunle Solaja.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been postponed, with Africa’s football governing body announcing new dates for the tournament in Morocco.
The Confederation of African Football confirmed that the 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will now take place from 25 July to 16 August 2026, instead of the earlier scheduled dates of 17 March to 3 April 2026.
Morocco was awarded the hosting rights for the continental showpiece in October 2024, with preparations already underway for what is expected to be one of the biggest editions of the competition. It doubles as the qualification tournament for the Women’s World Cup, as the top four finishers will feature in the global event.
CAF said the decision to move the tournament followed consultations with FIFA and other key stakeholders.
In a statement, CAF explained that the adjustment was made “to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”
Although the organisation did not elaborate on the nature of those circumstances, the rescheduling shifts the tournament to the traditional mid-year international football window, which is often more favourable for player availability and logistics.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is the continent’s flagship women’s football competition and serves as a crucial platform for the development and visibility of the women’s game in Africa.
Morocco, which successfully hosted the 2022 edition of the tournament, is expected to leverage its modern stadium infrastructure and growing reputation as a major football events destination to deliver another high-profile competition.
CAF expressed confidence that the revised schedule will allow all stakeholders to adequately prepare for the tournament.
“Preparations for the WAFCON 2026 are underway, and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful,” the governing body stated.
The tournament will bring together Africa’s top women’s national teams competing for continental supremacy, with the rescheduling expected to give organisers additional time to ensure optimal preparations for the event.
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The Confederation of African Football has announced that it will issue an official communication within the next 48 hours regarding the situation surrounding the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026.
In a brief message posted on social media, CAF indicated that the matter has been under extensive discussion in recent weeks and is currently receiving urgent attention at the highest levels of the organisation.
“CAF will communicate within the next 48 hours on the situation regarding the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON26. There have been several discussions over the past weeks. The matter is receiving urgent and high-level attention,” the confederation stated.
Although CAF did not provide specific details about the issue under review, the statement suggests that senior officials within the continental governing body are working toward a resolution.
The development has sparked anticipation across the African football community, particularly among national teams preparing for the women’s continental championship.
The Confederation of African Football is expected to clarify the circumstances and outline the next steps for the tournament when it releases its official update within the stipulated timeframe.
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Reigning African champions Nigeria produced a commanding response, defeating Cameroon 3–1 on Tuesday in the second of their pre-WAFCON international friendlies in Yaounde.
Three days after suffering a narrow 1–0 loss at the Military Stadium, the Super Falcons returned to the same venue. They delivered a far more assured performance, underlining their pedigree as perennial continental powerhouses.
Head Coach Justin Madugu rang the changes, making seven alterations to the starting line-up that featured in Saturday’s defeat. However, it was Cameroon who struck first again, netting in the seventh minute to momentarily raise concerns of a repeat setback.
Nigeria responded with composure and growing authority.
Forward Chinwendu Ihezuo restored parity in the 32nd minute, rising above her marker to power home a header from a well-delivered cross by Rinsola Babajide. The equaliser settled the Falcons, who began to dictate tempo and press with greater coordination.
Just before the break, the comeback was completed. After a scramble inside the Cameroonian box, Babajide reacted quickest to fire home in the 43rd minute, turning provider into scorer to give Nigeria a 2–1 lead at halftime.
Madugu’s reshaped midfield proved decisive, pressing higher up the pitch, shutting down central channels and forcing the Lionesses into speculative long balls.
The Falcons extended their advantage in the 64th minute. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, influential down the right flank, delivered a teasing cross into the penalty area. Michelle Alozie attacked the ball with conviction, launching into a flying header that made it 3–1 and effectively sealed the contest.
Both sides treated the two-match series as crucial preparation for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.
For Nigeria, the emphatic victory not only avenged Saturday’s defeat but also reaffirmed their status as Africa’s benchmark in women’s football heading into the continental showpiece.
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