Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Zambia’s Copper Queens go head-to-head in a mouth-watering 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarterfinal on Friday, July 18.
With a spot in the semifinals up for grabs, we preview the clash from a betting perspective, including key stats, odds, head-to-head record, and team news.
Match Odds (As of July 16)
Nigeria to Win: 1.75
Draw (90 mins): 3.50
Zambia to Win: 4.20
Both Teams to Score (BTTS – Yes): 2.05
Over 2.5 Goals: 2.35
Anytime Scorer – Barbra Banda: 2.80
Anytime Scorer – Chinwendu Ihezuo: 2.60
Odds subject to change. Check your preferred bookmaker for latest prices.
Head-to-Head (WAFCON Meetings)
2014: Nigeria 6-0 Zambia
2018: Nigeria 4-0 Zambia
2022: Zambia 1-0 Nigeria (own goal by Nigeria)
Total Goals: Nigeria 10–1 Zambia
Clean Sheets: Nigeria 2, Zambia
Zambia have never scored from open play against Nigeria in WAFCON
Form Guide (Last 5 WAFCON Games)
Nigeria:
3-0 vs Tunisia
1-0 vs Botswana
0-0 vs Algeria
0-1 vs Zambia (2022)
1-0 vs Cameroon (2022 QF)
Zambia:
2-2 vs Morocco
3-2 vs Senegal
1-0 vs DR Congo
1-0 vs Nigeria (2022)
0-1 vs South Africa (2022 SF)
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Team News
Nigeria Super Falcons:
Esther Okoronkwo is tipped to start after impressive cameos.
Deborah Abiodun returns from suspension, boosting midfield options.
Oshoala is fit but may drop to the bench due to poor form.
Nnadozie and Plumptre lead a solid defence that’s yet to concede in the tournament.
Zambia Copper Queens:
Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji have scored all six of Zambia’s goals.
No injury concerns reported; Coach Nora Häuptle likely to retain her front-loaded 4-2-3-1.
Five days’ rest gives Zambia a recovery edge.
READ MORE: Nigeria vs Zambia: WAFCON 2024 quarterfinal match preview
Betting Tips & Predictions
Tip 1: Nigeria to Win (1.75)
Nigeria have superior tournament experience and depth. Their defence has yet to be breached and they’ve dominated this fixture historically.
Tip 2: Both Teams to Score – NO (1.75)
Only Nigeria have scored in regulation time in previous WAFCON meetings. Zambia rely heavily on two forwards, and Nigeria’s defence is elite.
Tip 3: Under 2.5 Goals (1.60)
This quarterfinal could be tight and tactical. Nigeria scored only 4 goals in the group stage, Zambia 6 – but half came in one match.
Tip 4: Anytime Goalscorer – Chinwendu Ihezuo (2.60)
Nigeria’s in-form striker with two goals in the group stage, expected to lead the line.
Match Details
- Fixture: Nigeria vs Zambia
- Competition: 2024 WAFCON Quarterfinal
- Date: Friday, July 18
- Venue: Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca
- Kick-off Time: 6:00 PM (Nigeria Time)
Final Prediction
Expect a gritty, cagey encounter. Nigeria’s experience, defensive steel, and midfield control may prove decisive but Banda and Kundananji will test them.
Predicted Score: Nigeria 2-0 Zambia
