Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face Zambia in a high-stakes quarterfinal showdown at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). This follows a goalless draw with Algeria in their final Group B match on Sunday.

The Super Falcons dominated the encounter at the El Bachir Stadium. However, they were unable to find a breakthrough. They still secured the top spot in the group.

The result sets up a tantalizing last-eight meeting with Zambia on Thursday in Casablanca. This is a rematch of their 2022 bronze medal playoff. That match ended in a dramatic penalty shootout loss for Nigeria.

Coach Justin Madugu, having already secured qualification before the match, rotated his squad to rest several key players.

His side maintained control for most of the 90 minutes. However, Nigeria could not convert their chances into goals. Algerian goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi produced a string of impressive saves.

The Falcons fired 23 shots at goal. Algeria made only one attempt. However, the Falcons lacked the clinical edge needed to break the deadlock.

 Ifeoma Onumonu had a close-range shot blocked in the first half. Jennifer Echegini missed a clear opportunity in the second half. She fired over from inside the box.

Nigeria extended their proud record of reaching the knockout stage in every WAFCON edition they’ve entered. They have done this 13 times in total. They remain unbeaten in the current tournament.

The result snapped their streak of 12 consecutive group-stage victories. However, the Super Falcons completed the group phase without conceding a goal. This feat was last achieved in 1998.

Zambia finished second in Group C. They will pose a formidable test in Thursday’s clash. The team boasts a dynamic attack and seeks revenge for their 2022 semifinal exit to South Africa.

Nigeria, meanwhile, will look to raise their game as they chase a record-extending 10th African title.

Algeria progressed to the quarterfinals as Group B runners-up. They will face the Group C winners in the next round. 

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is aware of the historical and diplomatic tensions between certain member nations. It therefore maintains a discreet but strategic protocol to manage matches with political or cultural sensitivities.

Given the political undertones, some matches could be volatile. Tactical discipline and mental strength will therefore be as important as physical performance.

This is applicable should Morocco and Algeria clash in the quarterfinals or even in other stages of the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

If the Moroccans score early, they can force Algeria out of their defensive shell. But the longer the match stays level, the more it favours Algeria’s disruptive counterattacks.

From their earlier group matches, both sides have strong aerial threats, so corners and free-kicks could prove decisive.

No doubt, a potential Morocco–Algeria match is one of the highest-profile examples in recent memory.

CAF typically enforces a neutral stadium setup—no political slogans. In prior incidents, CAF enforced regulations. For instance, during the RS Berkane vs USM Alger club fixture, they needed to remove sensitive icons. They also took down stadium banners.

Teams are often allocated separate training times and logistical routes to minimise direct interaction.

Press briefings are monitored to prevent political commentary. CAF can sanction players or officials who make provocative statements.

Security Coordination

CAF works with local security forces and diplomatic liaisons to ensure fan separation if needed, especially in matches involving North African countries with a history of tension.

The stadium may receive extra security and crowd monitoring, with tighter credential control for journalists.

Referee & VAR Selection

Officials are carefully vetted to ensure neutrality and avoid any perception of regional bias.

VAR decisions are monitored closely to prevent escalation, with added communication oversight.

Post-Match Cooling-Off Measures

Mixed zone access is limited post-match, and press officers are instructed to filter out political questions.

CAF media teams issue rapid post-match statements to shape the narrative around sport, not diplomacy.

Precedents & Cautionary Lessons

CAF has long tried to avoid Morocco–Algeria fixtures at the national team level due to political friction.

The last significant meeting was in 2022 at the U17 Arab Cup, where tensions flared post-match.

In 2023, Morocco, as defending champions, had to withdraw from the African Nations Championship hosted by Algeria. The withdrawal was due to issues related to air travel and political symbolism.

Thus, if this WAFCON quarterfinal materialises, it will be a test case for CAF’s maturity in managing delicate encounters. It will also test both nations’ ability to let football shine beyond flags.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will be aiming to wrap up their group-stage campaign in style as they face Algeria’s Lady Fennecs in a decisive Group B encounter at the ongoing 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

The match this Sunday, at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, with kick-off set for 8:00 p.m. local time (same time in Nigeria).

The encounter promises fireworks, as both teams remain unbeaten after two rounds of matches. Nigeria already assured a spot in the quarterfinals, but Algeria will be pressing for not just a spot, but the group leadership.

Nigeria currently sit atop the group with six points from two matches, having defeated Tunisia 3–0 in their opener and edged Botswana 1–0 in a tighter affair.

Algeria, on their part, have amassed four points—securing a slim 1–0 victory over Botswana and earning a goalless draw with Tunisia.

With Nigeria already guaranteed a place in the last eight, a draw will be enough to confirm them as group winners. However, coach Justine Madugu’s  side will be aiming for a third consecutive win to maintain momentum and send a clear message to title rivals.

Algeria, meanwhile, need at least a draw to ensure progression, though a victory could see them leapfrog Nigeria and finish top, depending on goal difference.

The Super Falcons have looked largely comfortable in Morocco, blending defensive solidity with attacking flair.

Former Barcelona forward, Asisat Oshoala, has been a focal point in attack. At the same time, forward Chinwendu Ihezuo came off the bench to seal the win against Botswana, underlining Nigeria’s strength in depth.

 Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has also been in imperious form, keeping back-to-back clean sheets.

For Algeria, this tournament has marked a resurgence. Their discipline in defence has stood out—they’ve yet to concede in the competition—and they will once again rely on the leadership of captain Naïma Bouhani and the creative spark of Lina Boussaha, who plies her trade in the Saudi Women’s Premier League.

Goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi has also been a revelation, playing a crucial role in maintaining their defensive record.

Sunday’s clash will not only determine final group positions but could also set the tone for how far both sides can go in the tournament. While Nigeria are hunting for a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, Algeria are seeking to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2010.

As the stakes rise and the margins narrow, all eyes will be on Casablanca for what promises to be a compelling contest between West African power and North African resilience.

Past WAFCON Meetings:

• 19 September 2004 – Group B: Nigeria 4–0 Algeria (Eze 42’, Ameh 50’, Nkwocha 70’, Okolo 75’) – Germiston Stadium, South Africa

• 31 October 2006 – Group A: Algeria 0–6 Nigeria (Ajayi 8’, Nkwocha 20’, 90’, Madu 35’, Ekpo 56’, Uwak 89’) – Warri Stadium, Nigeria

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