Depleted defending champions, Super Falcons of Nigeria got the shocker of their life when Copper Queens of Zambia’s 29′ goal, a ricochet on the upright bouncing off the body of goalkeeper Nnadozie made them lose a coveted bronze medal to a far less fancied Zambian girls.
First time Zambia will ever score against Nigeria. Nigeria beat Zambia 4-0 at 2nd match of group game in 2018. In 2014 at same stage Nigeria walloped Zambia 6-0. This is the first time Zambia will ever beat the Nigerians who came with a squandermania spirit losing every opportunity.
While the trio of Oshoala, Halimat Ayinde and Rasheedat Ajibade shouted hoax beside the commentary box to their mates to have good marksmanship, ball control and concentration, the Copper Queens sang gleefully, “It’s a miracle day”. They before and after the game waved their hands over their heads which in Zambia means favour.
The girls came prepared and were unlucky not get more goals against Nigeria.
Outgoing NFF President, Pinnick was among those who gave out the medals.
Zambia ranked 13th in Africa and 103 in the world is on 4th appearance.
Africa’s world cup bound Bronze medalists, She-polopolo or Copper Queens played their first international match on 5th November 1994 loosing 3-5 to South Africa; got their highest victory on 1st August 2019 beating Mauritius 15-0 but their highest loss ever was to Netherlands which was played in Japan on 21st July 2021 ended 3-10.
The Zambian women football rose from a development programme which saw the country qualify for their first ever semi-final and world cup.
In 2016, ex-International coach Florence Omagbemi was kicked out because she couldn’t control the Falcons who then protested none payment of their allowances and in 2022 the same thing happened, the players missed training for same reason. What will the NFF do now? Sack the present foreign coach, Randy too or the NFF official responsible for paying the allowances who was alleged to have presented the voucher late.
It is expected that the football loving fans will start commenting negatively.