Nnadozie Vows Super Falcons Will Shine Against Zambia in WAFCON Quarter-Final

Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has promised Nigerian fans a thrilling performance when the team faces Zambia in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca on Friday.

Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated clash, the 24-year-old said fans can expect the same high-energy football that earned the team plaudits at the Tokyo Olympics and the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia. While acknowledging the quality of the Zambian side, Nnadozie expressed confidence in Nigeria’s talent and determination.

“We’ll bring you entertaining, top-class football, the kind we played against Spain at the Olympics and in Australia during the World Cup,” she told Biola Solace-Chukwu. “Zambia are a strong team with fast players, but so are we. It’ll be a tough match, but we’re prepared to win.”

The game, scheduled for 5 p.m. Nigerian time at Casablanca’s Larbi Zaouli Stadium, has been dubbed a final before the final, with both teams entering the knockout stage in strong form.

Nigeria cruised through Group B without conceding a goal, while Zambia finished second in Group A behind hosts Morocco, led by dynamic forwards Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji.

The match also carries a sense of revenge, as Zambia defeated Nigeria 1–0 in the third-place playoff at the 2022 edition of the tournament. But Nnadozie insists the Super Falcons have put that result behind them and are fully focused on the task ahead.

“We’re asking Nigerians to stay calm and believe in us,” she said. “Don’t judge us by our group-stage performances. Every match is different, and this time, we are fully prepared. We’re going all out to secure victory.”

The newly signed Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper, who has earned widespread praise for her consistent displays at the international level, also reflected on the overwhelming support she has received from fans back home.

“It’s truly humbling,” she said. “Nigerians already call me the world’s best, even though I haven’t won that title yet. I feel honoured and grateful to be pushed and encouraged like this.”

With the semi-finals in sight, all eyes will be on Nnadozie, a vocal leader and a key figure in the Super Falcons’ camp to inspire another memorable outing on the continent’s biggest stage.

“Just trust us,” she said. “We’re ready to give everything.”