Häuptle Confident as Copper Queens Turn Attention to Nigeria
The Copper Queens will be aiming to book a place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) when they take on defending champions Nigeria in Saturday night’s Group C clash at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.
With kick-off set for 22:00 CAT, Zambia head into the match in high spirits after beating Egypt 6-0 in their opening match; a result that saw them move to the top of the group on goal difference.
Another three points for the Copper Queens would guarantee them a place in the last eight with one group game to spare.
Speaking during a pre-match press conference at Moulay El Hassan Stadium on Friday, Copper Queens head coach Nora Häuptle said she expects a far sterner test than the one her side faced against Egypt.
“Basically, we have a good mood in camp. Our opening game went well but we also know that the game against Nigeria will be completely different, so we keep our feet on the ground. We need to adjust against Nigeria. We are good to go tomorrow,” said Häuptle.
The Zambian trainer knows Nigeria’s backs are against the wall and expects the defending champions to respond with everything they have.
Häuptle said her players will stick to their own approach rather than be distracted by the pressure on their opponents.
“We know that Nigeria needs to win this game or else they will be out. We are aware of Nigeria’s strength. We are fully prepared and expect Nigeria to come with their full stamina. We are focused on ourselves, we have a clear plan, and we discussed today how to execute our plan. My team Zambia never plays for a draw; our nature is to win. We can also surprise Nigeria. I have a lot of confidence in my team that we bring our performance on point. Every game is a challenge,” Häuptle said.
And forward Rachael Kundananji said the squad is embracing the challenge of facing the African champions and believes the Copper Queens are ready to rise to the occasion.
“The morale in camp is high and the team is ready. We understand that it is not an easy task ahead. It won’t be an easy game. We are looking forward to the game, and we want to do our best. The team is fully prepared for the game. Winning this match will be good for the team and the entire nation,” Kundananji said.
Zambia are chasing an early berth in the quarterfinals, while Nigeria are fighting to keep their title defence alive.
The Copper Queens have already set their sights on the WAFCON trophy and hope to better their bronze-medal finish from 2022.
