Super Falcons central defender, Tosin Demehin has confidently declared that Nigeria remains the team to beat at the ongoing 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), ahead of their quarter-final clash against Zambia.
In an exclusive chat with Brila.net, Demehin pointed to Nigeria’s perfect group stage record (three wins, three clean sheets, and zero goals conceded) as evidence of their dominance and superiority in the tournament.
“To me, Zambia is not a tough team, to me, because tough team is Nigeria, because we didn’t concede any goal. We played three matches with three clean sheets.”
“Zambia played three matches and conceded, like, how many goals? They conceded four goals.”
“You can’t call such a team a big team, you know. But I know they have physical players. But to me, I know we are going to win them.“
“We’ve Improved Since Our Last Defeat” – Ifeoma Onumonu Eyes Revenge
Super Falcons striker, Ifeoma Onumonu has also weighed in ahead of the clash, expressing optimism about Nigeria’s chances of reaching the semi-finals, while the strength of the Zambian team.
Onumonu, who started two of Nigeria’s group matches, stated that the team has grown stronger and smarter since their narrow 1-0 defeat to Zambia in the third-place match at WAFCON 2022, and are now better prepared for the rematch.
“It will be a difficult test against Zambia, but I believe the winner of this match will go on to win the tournament.”
“We’ve learned a lot from the last time we played them, and we’re much improved now. We’re ready to progress.”
Head-to-Head: Nigeria vs Zambia
The two teams have met several times at WAFCON, with Nigeria historically having the upper hand, except for Zambia’s shock 1-0 victory in the 2022 third-place match in Casablanca, a game that still stings in the Super Falcons’ memory.
Nigeria WAFCON 2024 Group Stage Summary:
- 3-0 vs Tunisia
- 2-0 vs Botswana
- 0-0 vs Algeria
- 7 points
- 0 goals conceded
Zambia WAFCON 2024 Group Stage Summary:
- 2-2 vs Morocco
- 3-2 vs Senegal
- 1-0 vs DR Congo
- 4 goals conceded
With a semi-final spot and automatic qualification for the 2025 FIFA Women’s World Cup on the line, Friday’s quarter-final is more than just a match but a battle for continental supremacy and redemption.
