Deborah Abiodun will be in action against Zambia in the quarterfinal clash. Super Falcons midfielder Deborah Abiodun will be available for selection when Nigeria take on Zambia in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), after serving a one-match suspension due to accumulated yellow cards. The 21-year-old Dallas Trinity star was forced to sit out Nigeria’s final Group B fixture against Algeria after picking up bookings in the first two games of the tournament, a 22nd-minute caution in the 3-0 victory over Tunisia and another in the 55th minute of the second group match. In her absence, coach Justine Madugu handed Christy Ucheibe her first start of the tournament, as the Falcons comfortably secured progression to the knockout rounds. Despite playing just 114 minutes across two games, Abiodun has continued to demonstrate her tactical discipline and combative style, which became evident during her breakout performances at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Since then, she has become a mainstay in the midfield, even locking down a spot in the squad heading to the Paris Olympics. Her return will be a timely boost for Nigeria as they face a spirited Zambian side, known as the Copper Queens, who themselves are chasing a maiden title. The Super Falcons, nine-time champions, are in Morocco chasing a record-extending 10th WAFCON crown, having dominated the competition since its inception in 1998. With Abiodun back and key players like Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade in form, Nigeria will be confident of advancing further. The highly anticipated quarter-final is expected to be a fiery West vs Southern Africa showdown, as both sides battle for a place in the semi-finals.