WAFCON: African Player of the Year sends big warning to Super Falcons ahead of quarterfinal clash

Zambia captain Barbara Banda has fired a warning ahead of the Quarter-Final clash.

Zambia captain Barbara Banda has issued a bold statement ahead of her side’s WAFCON 2024 quarter-final clash against Nigeria, saying the Copper Queens have respect but no fear for the Super Falcons.

The two continental powerhouses will lock horns today at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca in a battle for a semi-final ticket, with the game scheduled to kick off by 5 pm Nigerian time.

The Super Falcons, nine-time champions and Africa’s most successful women’s national team, are favourites going into the tie, boasting a star-studded squad that includes Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and the returning Deborah Abiodun.

What Banda said

But Banda, Zambia’s inspirational forward and captain, insists that despite Nigeria’s pedigree, her team is unfazed and focused.

“We are not scared, but we respect them because we know the game is 90-plus,” she said at a press conference in Casablanca.

“We are going to speak on the pitch. We want to hunt it. 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.”

The African Women's Footballer of the Year noted that the team is in high spirits, having recovered well from the group stage.

She continued, “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.”

Zambia will draw confidence from their 1-0 victory over Nigeria in the third-place match at the 2022 WAFCON, also held in Morocco.