Nigeria's Super Falcons have been issued a fierce warning by their toughest group stage opponents at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations later this month, Soccernet.ng reports.
Zambia defender Margaret Belemu has sent a strong message ahead of her country's meeting with Nigeria at the continental championships.
Belemu says the Copper Queens are ready to give the Super Falcons a much tougher battle this time.
The two African heavyweights have been drawn together in Group C alongside Egypt and Malawi, setting up easily the biggest match of the group stage. Nigeria and Zambia will meet on Saturday, August 1, at the Stade Olympique de Rabat in Morocco in a Matchday Two fixture that could play a major role in deciding who finishes top of the group.
Nigeria head into the tournament as defending African champions after winning the last edition, while Zambia are determined to prove they can challenge the continent's best once again.
The last meeting between both teams ended in a dominant 5-0 victory for the Super Falcons in the quarter-finals of the 2024 WAFCON. However, Belemu believes that result will have little influence on what happens in Morocco.
The experienced right-back admitted Nigeria deserved to win the previous encounter but insisted Zambia have moved on and are preparing for a completely different contest.
“We know it's a very difficult group, but we're battle-ready,” she said as per Cosafa. “Playing against Nigeria is always a big challenge, and we're looking forward to it.
“We lost to Nigeria the last time we played them, but this will be a different challenge. We're preparing well and believe we'll be ready when the tournament begins.”
Super Falcons: Zambia targeting revenge in Rabat
There's a growing confidence within the Copper Queens camp under head coach Nora Häuptle, whose side has continued to establish itself as one of Africa's strongest women's teams.
Although Nigeria dominated the last meeting, Zambia have already shown they can upset the Super Falcons. The Copper Queens famously defeated Nigeria 1-0 in the third-place playoff at the 2022 WAFCON to claim the bronze medal, proving they are capable of competing with the record African champions.
However, the match is another important step in Nigeria's title defence. Coach Justine Madugu's squad includes experienced stars such as captain Rasheedat Ajibade, former African Women's Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who will all be expected to play leading roles.
Much of Zambia's hope will rest on their quick attacking style and ability to hit opponents on the counter-attack. They believe their improved squad is better prepared than the one that suffered the heavy defeat in the last tournament.
With the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup also at stake, neither side can afford a poor result.
