Nigeria hold no fear for Zambia – Belemu
Zambia right-back Margaret Belemu says her side will not fear Nigeria as they head into the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 facing a repeat meeting with the Super Falcons.
The Copper Queens have been drawn in Group B alongside Nigeria, Egypt and COSAFA rivals Malawi, who are on debut at the continental finals, a tough pool with little margin for error.
Nigeria defeated Zambia 5-0 when they met in the quarter-finals of the last tournament that was staged in 2025, but Belemu says that is all water under the bridge.
“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.
“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.”
Zambia claimed the bronze medal at the 2022 edition before that last-eight loss to Nigeria in the previous finals.
