Super Falcons opponent watch: Nora Häuptle row rocks Zambia ahead WAFCON 2026

Zambia’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) have been thrown into confusion after reports that head coach Nora Häuptle has stepped down from her role, Soccernet.ng reports.

The situation, however, is far from clear. While several reports claim the Swiss coach has resigned and even taken her case to FIFA over what she describes as unfair treatment, the Football Association of Zambia insists she is still in charge.

This disagreement has created a cloud of uncertainty around the Copper Queens at a crucial time. Häuptle is also said to be asking for a large compensation package, reportedly around $1 million, covering her contract until 2028.

At the centre of the dispute are internal issues within the team’s technical setup. Reports suggest Häuptle was unhappy with decisions made by the FAZ leadership, including the return of assistant coach Enala Phiri, whom she had earlier removed from her staff.

This is not the first time tensions have surfaced. A similar disagreement reportedly happened in 2025 and had to be settled. Now, with another row unfolding just months before a major tournament, Zambia find themselves distracted when they should be preparing.

For a team widely seen as one of Africa’s rising forces, this kind of instability could not come at a worse time.

Crisis clouds Zambia’s chances against Nigeria

Zambia have been drawn in the same group as Nigeria women's national football team for WAFCON 2026, alongside Egypt and Malawi. It is already being called the ‘group of death,' and any weakness could prove costly.

The timing of this crisis is especially worrying when facing a side like Nigeria. The Super Falcons remain the most successful team in the competition’s history and will arrive with confidence, experience, and stability.

The contrast between both teams is clear. While Zambia are dealing with off-field distractions, Nigeria appear settled under coach Justin Madugu and boast a squad filled with top players like Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade and Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Recent history also favours Nigeria. At the last WAFCON, played in 2025, the Super Falcons defeated Zambia 5-0 in a one-sided quarter-final in Casablanca. Häuptle herself admitted afterwards that her team had been outplayed both physically and tactically.

That heavy defeat still lingers. Before the current crisis, Häuptle had spoken about Zambia needing to ‘hunt' Nigeria and close the gap. But with uncertainty now surrounding her position, that mission looks much harder.

Even if Zambia turn to a local coach, such as Charles Haalubono, there would be little time to build strong tactics or unity before the tournament begins.

In football, preparation is everything. A settled team with clear leadership often has the edge in big competitions. Right now, Nigeria have that advantage, while Zambia are struggling to find stability.

Unless the situation is resolved quickly, this crisis could seriously damage Zambia’s chances of challenging the Super Falcons and making a deep run at WAFCON 2026.