Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been handed an early warning before a pivotal 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) group match after Zambia defender Margaret Belemu insisted the Copper Queens are fully prepared to test the reigning champions.
Zambia have been placed in Group C alongside Egypt and Malawi, setting up what is expected to be the highlight of the section: their Matchday Two meeting with Nigeria on August 1 at the Stade Olympique de Rabat. With the group’s final standings likely to hinge on results in this round, the clash could prove decisive in deciding who finishes at the top.
Nigeria will arrive in the tournament as the reigning African champions, while Zambia see the competition as an opportunity to demonstrate that their progress has turned them into legitimate title contenders rather than recurring challengers.
Belemu’s comments come despite Nigeria’s dominant history in recent WAFCON phases. In the quarter-finals of the previous edition, the Super Falcons swept past Zambia with a 5-0 win. However, the defender believes her team has moved on significantly since that encounter.
Belemu’s message ahead of Nigeria clash
- Belemu acknowledged that Group C presents a tough challenge for Zambia.
- She said Zambia are “battle-ready” and view Nigeria as a major test that the Copper Queens are eager to face.
- She pointed out that Zambia previously lost to Nigeria in their most recent meeting, but argued the upcoming game will be a different challenge.
- Belemu added that Zambia are preparing well and expect to be ready once the tournament gets underway.
Under Swiss coach Nora Häuptle, Zambia’s upward trajectory in African women’s football has continued, with the Copper Queens developing a quick, attack-oriented style. Zambia’s belief is also supported by earlier evidence of how they can handle Nigeria at WAFCON level, including their 1-0 win over the Super Falcons in the third-place match at the 2022 tournament—an outcome that demonstrated they can overcome the nine-time champions.
