Zambia captain Barbara Banda has declared that her side holds no fear ahead of their quarter-final clash against the Super Falcons of Nigeria at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The Copper Queens are eyeing a second consecutive semi-final appearance after clinching the bronze medal three years ago, defeating Nigeria 1-0 in the third-place match of the 2022 edition.
Despite not yet reaching their full potential, the Super Falcons progressed through Group B without conceding a goal and remain one of the tournament’s most formidable teams, boasting some of Africa’s finest talents.
Speaking at a press conference in Casablanca, Banda—reigning African Footballer of the Year—acknowledged Nigeria’s pedigree but insisted that Zambia are focused and unafraid.
“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,” she said.
The highly anticipated quarter-final encounter will see two of Africa’s top sides battle for a place in the semi-finals, with both aiming to inch closer to continental glory.