The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is heating up, and all eyes are on the upcoming quarter-final clash between Nigeria and Zambia on Friday, which promises fireworks both on and off the ball.
While the game is critical for both nations in their bid for continental supremacy, it’s also a stage for some of the top stars from the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) to go head-to-head in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament.
With players like Asisat Oshoala, Barbra Banda, and Racheal Kundananji all set to feature, this clash at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca is much more than just a WAFCON quarter-final—it’s a showcase of elite African talent making waves globally.
Nigeria’s Struggles Despite Star Power
Nigeria, a powerhouse in African women’s football with 11 WAFCON titles to their name, have endured a shaky campaign in Morocco so far.
Despite having six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala in their ranks, the Super Falcons have been anything but clinical in front of goal. They managed a narrow 1-0 win against Botswana, thanks to a late strike by Chinwendu Ihezuo, and were held to an uninspiring goalless draw against Algeria in their final group-stage match.
These results have raised questions about their attacking efficiency, especially considering their impressive form in pre-tournament friendlies.
“Prior to this tournament in Morocco, we were scoring goals freely,” Nigeria head coach Justin Madugu told Sports Talk in a presser.
“But now, that has become an area of concern. The same players who were prolific before are still on the pitch, yet we’re not getting the goals. We have to urgently address this before Friday’s match.”
Madugu’s remarks reflect growing concern in the Nigerian camp as they face a much-improved Zambian side hungry for an upset.
The Copper Queens began their WAFCON campaign with a thrilling 2-2 draw against hosts Morocco, displaying resilience and attacking flair.
They followed that up with two gritty wins against DR Congo and Senegal, proving they have both the skill and mental toughness to go far in this tournament.
At the heart of their success is Barbra Banda, the reigning African Women’s Footballer of the Year, whose leadership and goal-scoring prowess continue to elevate Zambia on the continental stage.
Alongside Banda, players like Grace Chanda, Prisca Chilufya, and Racheal Kundananji bring cohesion and creativity, into the Copper Queens’ line-up.
NWSL Rivalries Renewed on African Soil
One of the most compelling storylines of this quarter-final showdown is the presence of several NWSL stars on both sides.
This intercontinental rivalry adds another layer of intrigue to what is already a high-stakes match. Bay FC’s Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria) will square off against her club teammate, Racheal Kundananji (Zambia), in a fascinating individual battle.
Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda, and Prisca Chilufya of Orlando Pride form the attacking core of Zambia and will aim to exploit Nigeria’s defensive vulnerabilities.
However, Nigeria counters with defenders like Michelle Alozie of Houston Dash and Deborah Abiodun, currently on loan from Washington Spirit, who could be key in breaking Zambia’s attacking rhythm.
This NWSL connection not only raises the competitive stakes but also increases global interest, making this game a trending topic among women’s football fans across Africa and beyond.
Where the Game Will Be Won or Lost
For Nigeria, the midfield battle will be crucial. If Deborah Abiodun and Toni Payne can control the tempo and supply quality passes to Oshoala and Ihezuo, the Super Falcons will have a strong chance of unlocking Zambia’s defence.
Defensively, Nigeria will need to stay compact and avoid over-committing, particularly with the speed Zambia can unleash on the counterattack while the Copper Queens’ biggest advantage lies in their fluid attacking play and physical fitness.
With Banda, Kundananji, and Chanda operating in tandem, they have the firepower to trouble any defence.
Their ability to create chances from wide areas and set pieces could tilt the game in their favour.
In midfield, Margaret Belemu has been a standout performer, and her link-up play with the forwards will be key in transitioning quickly from defence to attack.
The Women’s National Basketball Association owners and WNBA players now have until January 9th to get a new collective bargaining agreement done. The two sides could not come up with an agreement in October and decided to try and get a deal done by November 30th. The sides have agreed to another extension. There is plenty of time before the 2026 season starts in the spring but there is a business to run. Portland and Toronto are supposed to be stocked by an expansion draft and there is the WNBA entry draft on April 13th, 2026. If there is a lockout imposed by the owners, players would be barred from team facilities, practices, games, and communications with team staff.
The players don’t want a salary cap while the owners are trying to suppress salaries. Very typical in sports labor negotiations. There may be two factors in the players’ thinking. Two other basketball opportunities. A handful of WNBA players have committed to play in Project B, a women’s basketball startup league that will begin play in Europe, Asia and Latin America in November 2026 and last through April 2027. The league will not overlap with the WNBA season. The Project B women’s basketball league will include six teams with 11 players on each roster, and play a 5-on-5 format. Project B plans to host seven two-week tournaments in locations throughout Europe, Asia and Latin America. Project B will offer players an equity stake in the league and promises to pay more than the WNBA owners are willing to pay for players. There is another league available to the players called Unrivaled. The three players on three players league is going into its second year starting in January with eight teams. The WNBA is not the only game in town for players.
Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, right, greets Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) after an NFL football game Wednesday, Dec 2, 2020, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 19-14. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
One day in the not so distant future both Aaron Rodgers and Mike Tomlin will be headed to Canton. For now the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and head coach are headed in another direction — winning the AFC North.
Pittsburgh’s upset of Baltimore Sunday moved the Steelers back atop the division and set up an interesting final month of the season. Rodgers, the four-time NFL MVP, will try to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2021. And Tomlin will try to continue his amazing streak of never having a losing record.
Sitting at 7-6, the Steelers finish with a Monday night home game against Miami, travel to Detroit and Cleveland and then host Baltimore in what could be a winner-take-all scenario.
In Sunday’s win over the Ravens the 42-year-old Rodgers, one of six active QBs to win a Super Bowl, completed 23 of 34 passes for 284 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for a touchdown for the first time since 2022.
“We knew what was on the line today and that’s why you go do business with a guy like Aaron,” Tomlin, one of seven active Super Bowl winning coaches, said in his postgame press conference. “For thick days like today. He’s a been-there done-that guy. Beyond the experience component of it, he relishes it. You can just tell. That’s the benefit of having a guy like AR.”
Rodgers and the Steelers got off to a quick start this season. They were 4-1 before they lost three of their next four, including Rodgers’ game against the Packers. They were desperate heading into Baltimore, who had gone from 1-5 to 6-6, and came away with the win.
Now they have a legitimate shot at winning the division, keeping Tomlin’s streak alive and sending Rodgers back to the playoffs.
Is it Over?
Speaking of future Hall of Fame quarterbacks and coaches, things are not looking bright in Kansas City for Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid.
Sunday night’s loss to Houston dropped the three-time defending AFC champs to 6-7 on the season. Mahomes, who was 14-for-33 for 160 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions for a 19.8 QB rating, had the worst game of his career.
Over his past five games, Mahomes has been under 50 percent completion percentage twice. Before that he had played 149 games in college and the pros and was never under 50 percent.
And the last time the Chiefs were under .500 after 13 games? That would be 2012 when Andy Reid was in his final season in Philadelphia.
Deja Boo
Just two years ago the Eagles started the season 10-1 only to finish 11-6 and get blown out in the first round of the playoffs by Tampa Bay.
This season the Eagles started the season 8-2 and after Monday’s ugly loss to the Chargers are 8-5. Is history repeating like a bad burrito?
Three of the Eagles final four games are against the worst team in the league, Las Vegas, and two against a really bad Washington team.
Lose any of those games and everyone in the organization should be in trouble.
Never Lose Twice
Detroit’s win over Dallas last week kept alive a pretty impressive streak for the Lions. They have now won 15 straight games after a loss.
That ties for the longest streak of not losing two straight with the Baltimore Ravens (2009-12) and Denver Broncos (1984-88).
No Luck for Colts
Not only is Indianapolis falling apart, the Colts lost QB Daniel Jones for the season with a torn Achilles.
Indy’s loss Sunday in Jacksonville was the 11th straight time they lost to the Jaguars in Florida. The last time the Colts won in Jacksonville was 2014 when Andrew Luck quarterbacked the Colts over Blake Bortles and the Jags.
Shut Out? Shut Up
Minnesota lost to Seattle, 26-0, two weeks ago and then came back and beat Washington, 31-0.
Guess that means Seattle would beat Washington, 57-0.
Seriously, that’s the first time since weeks three and four of 1992 that a team was shut out one week and then recorded a shutout the following week. Denver lost to Philadelphia, 30-0, and then beat Cleveland, 12-0, the next week.
Battle in the South
With a month to go, Tampa Bay and Carolina are tied for first place in the NFC South at 7-6. The crazy part is the two teams have not played each other yet.
They will meet twice over this final month, next week in Charlotte and then the final week of the season in Tampa. The Panthers also play at New Orleans and host Seattle. While the Bucs host Atlanta, Thursday night, and travel across the state to Miami.
Just another 1
Green Bay faced Chicago, who was the No. 1 seed in the NFC, last week and beat them, 28-21.
This week the Packers face the Broncos, who happen to be the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Who knows what will happen, but Vegas has installed the Pack as a 2 1/2-point road favorite.
It’s Official
When Miami beat the New York Jets, Sunday, it eliminated the Jets from the playoffs. Shocking, right?
It will be the 15th straight year the Jets miss the playoffs, which is the longest streak of any team in the four major sports.
A design for a new ground from the Nottingham Forest Instagram account
Nottingham Forest has formally revealed an extensive redevelopment proposal for the City Ground, launching a public consultation on a project that could transform the historic venue into one of the Premier League’s largest stadiums. The club’s early vision outlines a phased expansion that could raise capacity to approximately 52,000 seats, placing the venue alongside England’s elite modern football arenas.
The redevelopment marks one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the club’s history, with ownership committed to long-term investment that supports both sporting performance and community growth.
Peter Taylor Stand Set for Major Transformation
At the centre of the plan is a complete reconstruction of the Peter Taylor Stand, which would be rebuilt to a height of 58 meters and expanded from its current 5,000 seats to 15,000 seats. The new design would modernize facilities, enhance hospitality offerings, and significantly elevate the matchday experience.
Additional expansion is planned by filling in the corners beside the Trent End, a move expected to push capacity to roughly 45,000 in Phase One.
Future Upgrades Could Push Capacity Beyond 50,000
A potential follow-up redevelopment of the Brian Clough Stand could increase total capacity to more than 50,000, aligning with Forest’s growing popularity and helping accommodate the club’s 17,500-person season-ticket waiting list.
Timeline, Investment, and Funding Commitment
Forest plans to submit a formal planning application in mid-December, with construction potentially beginning as early as next summer. Due to the complexity of the project, the opening phase is not expected to be completed until around 2031.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis is anticipated to provide major financial backing for the redevelopment, which could approach £1 billion, depending on the full scope of construction.
Club Statement: Public Response ‘Overwhelmingly Positive’
Nottingham Forest incorporated community engagement as a key phase of the redevelopment process, with supporters and residents recently invited to review the proposals in person.
“In recent days, we welcomed Forest supporters and the local community to learn more about our proposed plans for The City Ground Redevelopment Project. This landmark project, and the enormous investment required, underscores owner Evangelos Marinakis’ bold and ambitious vision for the future of Nottingham Forest. The public engagement and consultation process was an important step towards seeking the necessary planning approvals, and the response to these exciting plans has been overwhelmingly positive. We will provide further project updates in due course. Thank you for your fantastic ongoing support.”
The statement emphasises the strong backing shown by the fanbase and wider community.
Broader Vision: Community, Events, and Riverside Development
The redevelopment also includes plans to improve riverside access, expand community-use spaces, and position the City Ground as a year-round venue capable of hosting concerts, events, and large-scale gatherings beyond football.
A full public unveiling with finalized architectural details is expected later in the consultation period.
