The Super Falcons were held to a goalless draw by Algeria on Sunday night in their final Group B match of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), setting up a quarter-final clash against Zambia — the same team that beat Nigeria to third place at the last edition.
Despite dominating possession in Casablanca, the nine-time African champions could not break down a resolute Algerian defence, with the Lady Fennecs earning their first-ever quarter-final qualification in WAFCON history.
Head coach Justin Madugu made eight changes from the side that beat Botswana 1-0 last Thursday, opting to rest key players ahead of Friday’s quarter-final showdown against Zambia. Chiamaka Nnadozie, Tosin Demehin and Rasheedat Ajibade retained their starting spots, while Francisca Ordega, Ifeoma Onumonu, and Chinwendu Ihezuo led the attack.
Ordega was lively down the flanks, creating one of the best chances of the game late in the first half. Her low cross spilled to Onumonu, but the forward’s effort was blocked before reaching Algerian goalkeeper Chloe N’gazi Boumrar.
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The Falcons piled on pressure in the second half, with multiple attempts inside the Algerian box — including one from Ajibade after good work by Ordega — but they could not find the breakthrough.
Nigeria will now face Zambia’s Copper Queens on Friday in a highly anticipated rematch. The Zambians edged Nigeria 1-0 in the third-place playoff at the 2022 WAFCON in Morocco, and the Falcons will be keen to avoid a repeat.
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