Zambia captain Barbara Banda has said the Copper Queens only respect, but have no fear for the Super Falcons of Nigeria.
Nora Hauptle’s side will take on Nigeria in a quarter -final fixture at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca on Friday (today).
The Super Falcons are the most successful side in the history of the competition with nine titles.
The West Africans also boast of some of best players on the continent.
Read Also:WAFCON 2024: Super Falcons Battle Ready For Zambia — Madugu
Ahead of the highly anticipated encounter, Banda declared that they are fully ready for battle against Justine Madugu’s side.
“We are not scared, but we respect them because we know the game is 90-plus, so we are going to speak on the pitch. We want to hunt it,” Banda said during his interaction with the media in Casablanca.
” Like the coach said, we are so hungry for the game. You will be there to witness. The game is so open for everybody, and it’s a good game to watch.
“On my side, and on behalf of the team, we had a very good recovery from the group stage. Coming into the quarterfinals, we had some days to rest and we had a good recovery which means we are good as a team. We are back with good morale and looking forward to tomorrow’s game.”
Tonight’s encounter will kick-off at 5pm Nigeria time.
Zambia defeated Nigeria 1-0 in a third-place match at the previous edition of the competition also hosted by Morocco.
By Adeboye Amosu
2 Comments
In a repeat of last Wafcon semi final clash, the Super Falcons lock horns with the Cooper Queens of Zambia today.
Much has been said about Zambia’s ruthlessness in front of goal, more so as 2 of their strikers made the CAF 11 starting lineup whilst no Nigerian made the cut
I don’t think Zambia or any team should be taken for granted.
But, as much as I question aspects of the coaching competency of Coach Madugu, I believe the team are at home with his 4-3-3 formation and offensive approach.
In fact, a combination of Madugu’s instructions and direction, ingenuity and adaptability of the players, proper in-game management from coach and players, and mother luck shining on them should help bring home the bacon (or puff puff, whatever tickles your fancy).
Additional, should players and coach apply themselves with focus, concentration and discipline, then the Nigerian femme fateles should vanquish Zambia .
The 4-3-3 formula is fine and the emphasis of a solid attacking midfield with wingers and fullbacks providing foils for the centre forward worked well in the group stages.
Against Zambia, Alozie,, Demehin, Plumptre and Ohale have to invoke the spirits of Uche Okechukwu, Taribo West, Ben Iroha and Celestine Babayaro! Our defensive infrastructure hasn’t been stress tested thus far in this tournament. Today, they will have to ‘sing for their supper’ as a single bum note can spell disaster.
Good luck to the team. Madugu and the girls have done us proud thus far.
The Roma right back Shukurat should start ahead of Alozie.She’s a better player than Alozie.Another quality player that must start against Zambia is Esther Okoronkwo she’s a world class player.Francisca Ordega should also start.
Oshoala and Payne should start from the bench.