Nigeria vs Zambia Women Predictions - Attacking sides to produce goals at WAFCON

John Eastwood

Editor

Last updated: 1 hour ago

John Eastwood 1 hour ago

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Nigeria look to rebound after a shock loss to Malawi in their WAFCON opener.
Zambia impressed with a 6-0 win over Egypt and are in strong form.
Both teams’ recent matches and head-to-head suggest a match with over 2.5 goals.

Nigeria Women (Getty Images)

Nigeria Women vs Zambia Women Predictions

Defending champions Nigeria will be desperate to bounce back from a shock opening defeat when they face Zambia in their second Group C fixture at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

With the Zambians already showing their attacking quality in their first outing, goals could be expected here.

Nigeria’s last five matches have produced over 2.5 goals.
Five of Zambia’s last nine matches have produced over 2.5 goals.
Three of the last four matches between Nigeria and Zambia have produced over 2.5 goals.

Head to Head

Nigeria have picked up three wins while Zambia have been victorious just once in four previous matches. The most recent meeting was a quarter-final clash at the last WAFCON, with the Super Falcons easing to a 5-0 victory.

Nigeria Women Form

Nigeria began their title defence with a shocking 3-2 defeat to debutants Malawi. They were second best throughout the contest and attempted a late comeback through Rasheedat Ajibade and Uchenna Kanu but fell just short.

While it was a disappointing start, Nigeria have a glorious history at the WAFCON and will still be hopeful of getting back on track. The 10-time champions also showed good form heading into the tournament, claiming four straight wins before their opening fixture.

One worrying thing for manager Justin Madugu is their recent defensive showings, as they were constantly opened up by Malawi. The good news is that there is quality going forward with the likes of Kanu and Ajibade, and this has seen their last five matches produce over 2.5 goals.

Zambia Women Form

Zambia were in rampant mood in their opening fixture, easing to a 6-0 victory over Egypt. Barbra Banda scored four goals while Eneless Phiri and Racheal Nachula were also on target.

The result and number of goals mean Zambia are now in control of Group C, and are well positioned to qualify. It is also part of a recent run of good results as Nora Hauptle’s team are unbeaten in five of their last six matches in all competitions.

The victory over Egypt also highlighted Zambia’s attacking quality, although they have shown some defensive vulnerability in some of their recent matches. Five of their last nine matches in all competitions have produced over 2.5 goals.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Nigeria (4-3-3): Chiamaka Nnadozie; Shukurat Oladipo, Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie; Rasheedat Ajibade, Halimatu Ayinde, Jennifer Echeghini; Asisat Oshoala, Esther Okoronkwo, Uchenna Kanu.

Nigeria are likely to make changes to their team, with Kanu set to earn a start after scoring off the bench last time out. Veteran forward Oshoala could also feature while Ajibade should retain her place in midfield.

Zambia (4-1-4-1): Hazel Nali; Margaret Belemu, Mapalo Maluba, Lushomo Mweemba, Racheal Nachula; Rhoda Chileshe; Eneless Phiri, Ireen Lungu, Grace Chanda, Racheal Kundananji; Barbra Banda.

Phiri scored off the bench for Zambia in the win over Egypt and could be handed a start here. Maluba is expected to continue at the back while Banda sh

Verdict

Nigeria v Zambia Women

Nigeria are desperate to make a statement after their opening defeat, while Zambia will be keen to build on an impressive win.

Both teams are likely to be up for this one and could be set to serve up an open contest, which should produce goals.

Over 2.5

Total Goals

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Graduated from the University of Portsmouth in 2008 with a BA in English Literature before completing MA in Journalism. Began his career as a sports journalist in London before moving to the Middle East to work as a sports editor for national media companies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Favourite Sports: Tennis, Boxing, Golf.