WAFCON 2026: Barbra Banda among 5 Zambia players Super Falcons must stop

The Super Falcons head into Saturday's crucial WAFCON 2026 Group C clash against Zambia under pressure after suffering a shock 3-2 defeat to Malawi in their opening game, Soccernet.ng reports.

Justine Madugu's side were undone by the Chawinga sisters, Temwa and Tabitha, whose pace and ruthless finishing repeatedly exposed Nigeria's defensive frailties in Rabat.

The defeat leaves the ten-time African champions with little margin for error against a Zambia side that began the tournament in devastating fashion.

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The Copper Queens announced themselves as title contenders with a ruthless 6-0 demolition of Egypt. Captain Barbra Banda stole the headlines with four goals and an assist, while Eneless Phiri and Racheal Nachula also got on the scoresheet in one of the most dominant performances of the opening round.

Unlike previous meetings, Nigeria now face a Zambia team brimming with confidence, pace and attacking quality. Here are five Copper Queens players the Super Falcons must contain to avoid another costly result.

Five Zambia players Super Falcons must stop

1. Barbra Banda

Everything starts with the Zambia captain. The Orlando Pride forward delivered one of the finest individual performances in WAFCON history against Egypt, scoring four goals and creating another in a complete centre-forward display.

Banda combines pace, strength and ruthless finishing. She thrives when given space behind the defence and rarely needs a second invitation inside the penalty area.

Nigeria's centre-backs Osinachi Ohale and Oluwatosin Demehin struggled with similar runs against Malawi. If the defensive line loses concentration again, Banda could similarly punish them.

2. Racheal Kundananji

While Banda grabbed the goals, Bay FC striker Racheal Kundananji quietly reminded everyone why she remains one of Africa's most dangerous attackers.

She registered one assist against Egypt and constantly stretched the defence with intelligent movement down the left flank.

Kundananji's ability to drift wide or attack centrally makes her extremely difficult to mark. If Nigeria focus too heavily on Banda, Kundananji has the quality to exploit the spaces left behind.

3. Prisca Chilufya

The Angel City winger may not have found the scoresheet against Egypt, but her influence was undeniable.

Like Kundananji, Chilufya contributed an assist and repeatedly beat defenders in one-on-one situations, creating overloads on the right wing.

Nigeria's full-backs struggled defensively against Malawi, and Chilufya possesses the speed and creativity to cause even greater problems if she's allowed time on the ball.

4. Eneless Phiri

The ZESCO Ndola Girls striker rewarded Nora Häuptle's faith by getting on the scoresheet in Zambia's opening victory.

Phiri offers something different to Zambia's attack. Rather than relying purely on pace, she makes intelligent runs between defenders and is clinical inside the penalty box.

If Nigeria's defenders become preoccupied with Banda and Kundananji, Phiri has shown she is capable of arriving in dangerous areas unnoticed, staying as an option off the bench for the Copper Queens.

The Work Continues 📸#TheQueens #SoarSuperFalcons #WAFCON2026 pic.twitter.com/faSAVkJyt9

— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) July 30, 2026

5. Grace Chanda

Every dangerous attack needs someone pulling the strings. Grace Chanda remains Zambia's creative heartbeat from midfield, linking defence to attack while dictating the tempo of play.

The Queretaro midfielder is comfortable receiving possession under pressure and has the vision to release Zambia's quick forwards with perfectly weighted passes.

Nigeria failed to close down Malawi's midfield quickly enough in their opening defeat. Allowing Chanda similar freedom would almost certainly play into Zambia's hands.

Can Nigeria respond?

The Super Falcons still hold the psychological advantage after beating Zambia 5-0 in the quarter-finals of the previous WAFCON edition, but that result now feels like distant history.

This Copper Queens side looks more mature, more clinical and arguably more dangerous than the one Nigeria dismantled less than a year ago.

For Madugu's team, improving defensive organisation will be non-negotiable. Limiting space behind the backline, protecting the central defenders and preventing quick transitions will be essential if Nigeria are to keep their hopes of progressing, and ultimately qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup alive.

Contain Banda and her supporting cast, and the Super Falcons give themselves a fighting chance. Fail to do so, and another painful evening could await in Morocco.