On the Zambian side, head coach Nora Hauptle exuded calm and composure as her team gears up for the quarter-final encounter with Nigeria.
After topping their group with a comfortable buffer, Hauptle emphasized the importance of rest and thoughtful preparation.
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“We are in a comfortable position,” she said, citing the team’s physical recovery window as a key factor in morale and readiness. “We have time to recover,” she assured, while reiterating the priority of rest: “Rest is important.”
Hauptle avoided hype or prediction, instead framing the game against the Super Falcons as the next big step on the path to their target.
“We want to reach the final of the tournament, and we will have to play tough fixtures anyway,” she remarked, suggesting readiness for a stern engagement.
Her words reflect a calculated confidence. Zambia have scored freely in the tournament but have also shown defensive imperfections, something Hauptle is keen to fix.
Tactical adjustments, drill sessions, and recovery protocols are underway, all keyed toward neutralizing the Falcons’ threats.
With momentum on their side, Hauptle’s squad is calm, rested, and targeting a performance that transcends qualifiers—to staking their own claim in the latter stages of WAFCON.
