Zambian winger Racheal Nachula has sounded a bold note of confidence ahead of the Copper Queens’ quarter-final showdown with Nigeria at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), declaring that her side is unafraid of the nine-time champions.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s high-stakes encounter in Casablanca, Nachula insisted that Zambia now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Africa’s elite teams and is fully prepared to take down any opponent on their path to glory.
“As Copper Queens, we know that Nigeria is one of the best teams in Africa, and I think Copper Queens are also one of the best teams in Africa,” Nachula told FAZ Media. “We can conquer every team, and we are not scared of any team, like we cannot be scared of Nigeria.”
The upcoming fixture rekindles memories of their 2022 third-place meeting, where Zambia edged Nigeria 1–0 to secure their first-ever WAFCON medal — a result that Nachula believes laid the foundation for the team’s growing self-belief.
“In the 2022 edition, we faced Nigeria in the third and fourth game, and we came out third. We beat Nigeria, and that also gave us motivation… no matter how big the team is, we can beat them because we are Copper Queens and we know what we are capable of doing,” she said.
Zambia secured their spot in the last eight after finishing second in Group A with seven points the same number Nigeria amassed to top Group B. With both sides unbeaten so far, Friday’s match is shaping up to be one of the tournament’s most anticipated clashes.
Nachula further underscored the team’s mental readiness, adding, “Nothing is going to disturb us. Nothing is going to disturb us mentally or physically. We are ready for Nigeria, and I am sure it will be a good game.”
Zambia’s head coach Nora Häuptle echoed her star winger’s sentiments, reiterating that her squad is ready for any challenge on their quest for the WAFCON title.
“Whoever we face, we will be ready. If you want to reach the final and win this tournament, you need to beat everyone,” said the Swiss tactician.
Nigeria, for their part, have advanced without conceding a single goal, despite being held to a frustrating goalless draw by Algeria in their final group match. The Super Falcons, who boast the most titles in the competition’s history, remain a formidable force.
The victor of Friday’s quarter-final will book a semi-final date against the winner between South Africa and Senegal a fixture that could shape the tournament’s path to the final.
