'Good defence' - Nigeria star Plumptre warns Zambia it's not just about Africa's two costliest players

Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has shed light on the team’s tactical approach to their upcoming Wafcon 2024 quarterfinal clash against Zambia, particularly how they plan to neutralize Africa's two most expensive players in history, Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji.

Racheal Kundananji became the most expensive African female footballer in history following her high-profile transfer from Madrid CFF to NWSL side Bay FC for a reported fee of €805,000 in 2024.

Her compatriot, Banda, joined Orlando Pride in the same league for €681,000, making her the second most expensive African women's player of all time.

The Zambian pair have been standout performers so far in the competition, each scoring three goals in the group stage, and are considered key threats ahead of Friday’s showdown.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Plumptre acknowledged the quality of Zambia’s attack but emphasized that the Super Falcons are preparing to face the entire Zambian squad, not just two individuals.

"We know that Zambia has a really good attacking threat and we respect that and obviously prepare well for that," she said.

"We don't prepare for two players but we prepare for Zambia as a whole team because we know that if you consume two players there can be threats from different aspects."

The former Leicester City defender also highlighted the Super Falcons’ solid defensive record, with the team yet to concede a goal in the tournament.

"We are proud to go into the group stage without conceding. As much as we have a good defense, we have good attacking players from the start and on the bench.

"We do take pride holistically as a whole team to defend well. I think you can tell in our games, we all defend as one and try to attack as one," Plumptre added. 

Plumptre also praised the collective strength of the Nigerian side, stating that they are not dependent on a single goal scorer, with threats capable of emerging from various positions.

"It is not like we're relying on one soul goal scorer and we have threats that could come from numerous places."

On the team’s mood ahead of the crucial tie, she said: "It is going well. Obviously, it is nice compared to what we had in the group stage, we had a little bit more time to train. 

"We have been on the training field the last few days. Everybody is in good spirits and everything is going well but the atmosphere in camp is calm and exciting."

Ahead of the clash, the Super Falcons will be eager to secure a victory to keep hopes of winning the tenth WAFCON title. 

Adeyemi Adewale

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