Zambia defender Margaret Belemu has declared that the Copper Queens are ready for the challenge of facing Nigeria’s Super Falcons at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), insisting her side fears no opponent despite being drawn in one of the tournament’s toughest groups.
The experienced right-back believes Zambia has made significant progress in recent years and is eager to test itself against the reigning African champions when the competition gets underway in Morocco later this month.
Zambia has been drawn in Group B alongside Nigeria, Egypt and Malawi, with the clash against the Super Falcons expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the group stage.
“We know it’s a very difficult group, but we’re battle ready. Playing against Nigeria is always a big challenge, and we’re looking forward to it,” Belemu said.
The Copper Queens have emerged as one of Africa’s fastest-rising teams, reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 WAFCON and qualifying for their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.
Belemu admitted Zambia still remembers last year’s defeat to Nigeria but believes this year’s encounter presents an opportunity to show how much the team has improved.
“We lost to Nigeria the last time we played them, but this will be a different challenge. We’re preparing well and believe we’ll be ready when the tournament begins,” she added.
The Super Falcons remain Africa’s most successful women’s national team with a record nine WAFCON titles, while Zambia will be hoping to build on its recent rise and challenge for a first continental crown.
Both teams are expected to continue their final preparations before the start of the tournament, with their highly anticipated Group B meeting set to play a key role in the race for a place in the knockout stage.
