Zambia and Nigeria Secure Final Spots in Paris Olympics Women’s Football

Zambia and Nigeria have clinched the last two spots in the women’s football tournament at the Paris Olympics after emerging victorious in two-legged playoffs during the fourth round of African qualifying.

The composition of the twelve teams for the tournament, scheduled across seven French cities from July 25 to August 10, is now complete.

Joining hosts France, World Cup winners Spain, and four-time Olympic champions the USA are Zambia and Nigeria. The lineup also includes Colombia, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, Australia, Japan, and Brazil. Notably, the current European Champions, England’s Lionesses team, failed to qualify as the Netherlands secured the top position in their group.

Zambia’s journey to qualification involved an intense battle against Morocco in Rabat, where the Copper Queens turned a 2-1 first-leg deficit into a 3-2 aggregate triumph with a thrilling 2-0 win at Moulay Hassan Stadium. Orlando Pride striker Barbra Banda’s crucial goals secured Zambia’s ticket to the Olympics, with a penalty conversion in the 105th minute being the decisive moment.

Assigned to Group B, Zambia faces formidable opponents including former champions the United States and Germany, alongside World Cup semi-finalists Australia. Their campaign kicks off against the USWNT in Nice on July 25.

In contrast, Nigeria secured their fourth Olympic appearance with relative ease, securing their berth with a goalless draw against South Africa in Pretoria, following a 1-0 win in Abuja. The Super Falcons are set to face world champions Spain, former world champions Japan, and Brazil in Group C at the Olympics, with their tournament opener against Brazil in Bordeaux on July 25.

With Zambia and Nigeria completing the roster, anticipation grows for an exhilarating women’s football tournament at the Paris Olympics, promising captivating matches as teams vie for Olympic glory.