Zambia made the perfect start to the 2026 WAFCON tournament on Tuesday, with captain Barbra Banda delivering a sensational performance, scoring four goals and providing an assist. The Copper Queens moved top of Group C.

In the other group match, Malawi stunned 10-time champions Nigeria 3-2 leaving the Super Falcons under pressure ahead of Saturday’s clash with Zambia.

Speaking to Bola News, former Chipolopolo Boys midfielder, Noah Chivuta praised the Copper Queens for maintaining their standards against Egypt.

“Going into the opening match against Egypt, they showed a lot of maturity and professionalism. Sometimes when you play a team that is below your standard, you can drop to their level, but the Copper Queens maintained their professionalism throughout the match and scored six goals,” Chivuta said.

He described the convincing victory as a major confidence booster but warned that Zambia would face a far tougher challenge against Nigeria.

“Pressure on Nigeria” – Chivuta.

“The coach’s tactics worked very well, but now we need to see how those tactics will work against a stronger opponent like Nigeria,” he said.

Chivuta believes Nigeria’s shock defeat to Malawi could make the Super Falcons even more dangerous.

“Nigeria are wounded now. If they lose two games, they are out of the tournament, so they will come at us with everything they have. Zambia must stick to the coach’s tactics and remain professional because we have a team capable of competing with Nigeria,” he said.

He has advised the Copper Queens to approach the encounter without unnecessary pressure.

“The pressure is on Nigeria, not Zambia. We already have three points, so we should go into the game knowing we don’t have to lose. If we get a point, that is okay. If we get all three points, even better,” Chivuta said.

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