We can surprise Nigeria – Häuptle

The Copper Queens of Zambia are poised for a significant showdown against continental giants Nigeria in their second Group C fixture of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Head coach Nora Häuptle has exuded confidence, stating her team's readiness to deliver a surprise performance against the Super Falcons. This high-stakes match comes after contrasting fortunes for both teams in their opening games: Zambia secured a resounding 6-0 victory over Egypt, while Nigeria, the defending champions, suffered a shocking 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi. Häuptle acknowledged the formidable challenge Nigeria presents, especially given their need to bounce back from their initial loss to Malawi. "Nigeria will come with everything they have. They need to win to stay alive in this tournament," Häuptle remarked, recognizing the Super Falcons' quality and their capacity to elevate their game. However, the Swiss tactician emphasized that Zambia's focus remains firmly on their own strategy and execution. "We are focused on ourselves. We have a very clear plan to face them. If it is executed precisely on the pitch, we are convinced that we can beat Nigeria." The coach also firmly dismissed any notion of playing for a draw, asserting that such a defensive mindset is not in the Copper Queens' DNA. "Zambia never plays for a draw. It's not in our DNA. We always play to win," she declared. This assertive stance reflects a growing self-belief within the Zambian squad, which has been steadily rising in African women's football. Häuptle believes the team has evolved significantly since their 5-0 defeat to Nigeria in a previous WAFCON quarter-final, attributing their growth to tactical flexibility and experience gained from playing top-20 ranked teams globally. Historically, Nigeria has held a dominant record over Zambia in WAFCON encounters, winning three out of their four previous meetings, with Zambia securing one victory. However, the Copper Queens' recent form, hig