Barbra Banda and the five Zambia stars standing between Nigeria and WAFCON survival

Nigeria’s hopes of making a strong start at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations have been dented, but their biggest test may still be ahead as they prepare to face a dangerous Zambia side in a crucial Group C encounter on Saturday.

The Super Falcons suffered a shock 3-2 defeat to Malawi in their opening match in Rabat, with the Chawinga sisters, Temwa and Tabitha, exposing major defensive weaknesses with their pace, movement and clinical finishing.

The result has left the 10-time African champions with little room for error. Another setback against Zambia could put their hopes of reaching the knockout stages and securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in serious danger.

However, Nigeria’s challenge will be far tougher than expected, with the Copper Queens arriving full of confidence after producing one of the most dominant displays of the tournament so far.

Zambia announced their title credentials with a stunning 6-0 victory over Egypt, led by captain Barbra Banda’s sensational four-goal performance. Eneless Phiri and Racheal Nachula also found the net as coach Nora Häuptle’s side delivered a statement of intent.

With attacking quality across the pitch, Nigeria must find a way to contain five key players who could decide the outcome of Saturday’s showdown.

Barbra Banda: Zambia’s unstoppable force

At the centre of Zambia’s threat is their captain and global superstar Barbra Banda.

The Orlando Pride forward produced one of the finest individual displays in WAFCON history against Egypt, scoring four times and contributing an assist in a complete attacking performance.

Banda combines explosive speed, physical strength and remarkable composure in front of goal. She is particularly dangerous when attacking space behind defenders and rarely needs many opportunities to punish opponents.

Nigeria’s defence struggled to deal with similar movements from Malawi’s Chawinga sisters in their opening match. Any failure to maintain concentration could give Banda the opportunity to repeat her heroics.

Racheal Kundananji: The silent danger

While Banda dominated the headlines, Racheal Kundananji showed why she remains one of Africa’s most feared attackers.

The Bay FC forward provided an assist against Egypt and constantly troubled the opposition defence with intelligent movement from the left side.

Kundananji’s ability to operate both centrally and in wide areas makes her difficult to track. If Nigeria focus too much attention on Banda, she has the pace and awareness to exploit the spaces created.

Prisca Chilufya: Zambia’s wing threat

Prisca Chilufya may not have scored in Zambia’s opening victory, but her influence was impossible to ignore.

The Angel City winger delivered an assist and repeatedly caused problems through her direct running and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations.

Nigeria’s full-backs struggled to contain Malawi’s attacking transitions, and allowing Chilufya time and space could create another difficult evening for the Super Falcons.

Eneless Phiri: The clinical finisher

Eneless Phiri rewarded coach Häuptle’s faith by getting on the scoresheet against Egypt and adding another dimension to Zambia’s attack.

Unlike some of Zambia’s quicker forwards, Phiri relies on intelligent positioning and well-timed movements into dangerous areas.

With defenders likely to focus heavily on Banda and Kundananji, Phiri’s ability to arrive unnoticed inside the box could prove decisive once again.

Grace Chanda: The midfield mastermind

Behind Zambia’s attacking brilliance is Grace Chanda, the player responsible for connecting midfield with the front line.

The Queretaro midfielder provides creativity, composure and vision, often finding solutions under pressure and delivering passes that unlock opposing defences.

Nigeria’s midfield failed to close down Malawi quickly enough in their opening defeat. Giving Chanda similar freedom could allow Zambia to dictate the rhythm of the game.

Nigeria’s response will define their tournament

The Super Falcons can draw confidence from their recent history against Zambia after defeating the Copper Queens 5-0 in the quarter-finals of the previous WAFCON edition.

But this Zambia team appears transformed. They are more experienced, more confident and possess greater attacking depth than the side Nigeria comfortably defeated before.

For coach Justine Madugu, defensive organisation will be the priority. Nigeria must limit spaces behind their backline, protect their central defenders and prevent Zambia from launching quick counter-attacks.

Stopping Banda alone will not be enough. Nigeria must find a way to control an entire attacking unit that has already shown its ability to overwhelm opponents.

If the Super Falcons succeed, they keep their tournament ambitions alive. If they fail, another painful chapter could await in Morocco.