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Nigeria set up Zambia WAFCON quarterfinal with Algeria draw

football13 July 2025 21:07| © Mzansi Football
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Nigeria took top spot in Group B at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations following a 0-0 draw against Alegria in their final pool match on Sunday, a game they dominated but were unable to find a winning goal.

Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu rested several of his regular players having already secured a quarterfinal place ahead of the fixture, and he will hope they are rested for a crunch last-four clash with Zambia in Casablanca on Thursday.

Algeria also advance as the second-placed side in the pool and they will take on the runners-up in Group C, which will be decided on Monday.

Nigeria have reached the knockout stage in all 13 WAFCON editions they’ve entered and never lost a final pool match, though they did win the previous 12 they played.

This goalless draw does end that run.

The clean sheet means this is the second time Nigeria have gone through a group stage campaign without conceding after they first did it all the way back in 1998.

For Algeria, it is the first time they have been through the pool stages without a defeat.

Nigeria's clear-cut chances in the first half were few and far between despite them dominating possession.

The best fell to Ifeoma Onumonu, whose shot from six yards was blocked.

The Super Falcons had 12 shots at goal in the opening 45 minutes, to just one for Algeria, but a combination of wayward efforts and several fine saves from Algeria goalkeeper Chloe N'Gazi kept them at bay.

Jennifer Echegini blasted over from a good shooting position for Nigeria in the second half, their best opportunity after the break.

Algeria had a single shot at goal the entire game, which was off target, and never looked like breaking the deadlock.

Nigeria’s total shots by the end of the game stood at 23.

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