‘A final before the final’ is how Friday’s Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAfCON) quarterfinal clash between Zambia and Nigeria has been dubbed. This classification is based on the pedigree that both teams have built over time.
This is a type of clash that most people would have loved, reserved for the latter stages of the competition. Unfortunately, one of the two title contenders will painfully be headed back home on Friday.
As we build up to the game, I will run you through a two-part write-up, focused on some of the players who have what it takes to keep their team in the tournament.
Today, my eyes will be on a core group of players who have been quietly and not so quietly pulling the strings in the Super Falcons at the tournament so far. Heavens willing, I will return with a similar sheet for the Copper Queens tomorrow.
The nine-time champions are rebuilding with a mix of established names and in-form talents; their group stage matches against Algeria, Botswana, and Tunisia have offered glimpses into who Nora Hauptle and her backroom staff should plan around going into Friday night.
Rinsola Babajide – A Problem on the Wing
The Spain-based attacker has arguably been Nigeria’s most dangerous player in the last two matches.
She had a top drawer performance in the 3–0 win over Tunisia, which was enough to see her on the scoresheet and earned an analyst’s rating of 9.3. Babajide has a knack for stretching defenders, dribbling into space, and putting herself in scoring positions.
She has played in all three matches and recorded an average rating of 7.7. She is a threat Zambia cannot afford to ignore.
Ashleigh Plumptre – Defensive Backbone
The England-born leftwing back is among the reasons Nigeria is yet to concede at the tournament. She gave a full shift in the two opening matches against Tunisia and Botswana, where the team recorded a 3-0 and 1-0 win respectively.
She was rested in the game against Algeria but is in the frame for selection against the Copper Queens.
She has been instrumental in organising the Nigerian defence and initiating attacks from the back. It is little wonder she has averaged a rating of 7.6 in the two games she has played.
Against Tunisia, she won key duels and offered width when Nigeria pushed forward. For Zambia, they will have to plan how to break through their side of the pitch as well as thwart some of their attacks.
Rasheedat Ajibade – The Constant Threat
The 25-year-old hasn’t dropped below a 6.5 rating across three matches. She has been consistent in both midfield and attacking roles. Ajibade is always involved — drawing fouls, pressing high, and creating space for teammates.
If Nigeria gets on the front foot, expect Ajibade to be at the heart of it. The Atlético Madrid player plays with intelligence. She is among the players who have played every minute of the tournament so far for Nigeria.
Halimatu Ayinde – Midfield Engine
At 30, Ayinde is maturing like fine wine. She is a player who rarely grabs headlines, but her team knows her worth. Resting in the most recent game against Algeria, Ayinde had two strong performances against Botswana and Tunisia.
If you are looking for a player who controls tempo, recycles possession quickly, and shields the back four, she is that player.
Zambia will need to work out a way of disrupting its rhythm. If Ayinde gets time on the ball, she’ll dictate the match on her terms. She reminds me of Prime Rainford Kalaba; excuse the example.
Asisat Oshoala – Silent, Then Lethal
What is there to be said about Oshoala? She is Nigeria’s MVP, but the coach has carefully managed her game time at the tournament so far. Oshoala has played only 90 minutes over two games and was most impactful in the game against Tunisia.
She is one player that Zambia cannot afford to overlook, regardless of the form that she is in. The Bay FC forward doesn’t need many chances. One lapse in concentration, and it could be costly.
Nora and her team will be well aware: even on a quiet day, Oshoala is still one of Africa’s most clinical finishers.
That’s about it! Oh, before I sign out, remember, football has proved that in games like these, an unsung hero usually pops up, so it might as well be a player who is not highlighted in this article.
READ MORE: ‘Zambia is not a threat to us’- says Nigeria’s Demehin
