Zambia\u2019s preparations for the 2026 Women\u2019s Africa Cup of Nations<\/a> (WAFCON) have been thrown into confusion after reports that head coach Nora H\u00e4uptle has stepped down from her role, Soccernet.ng reports<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The situation, however, is far from clear. While several reports claim<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n This disagreement has created a cloud of uncertainty around the Copper Queens at a crucial time. H\u00e4uptle is also said to be asking for a large compensation package, reportedly around $1 million, covering her contract until 2028.<\/p>\n At the centre of the dispute are internal issues within the team\u2019s technical setup. Reports suggest H\u00e4uptle 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n For a team widely seen as one of Africa\u2019s rising forces, this kind of instability could not come at a worse time.<\/p>\n 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 \u2018group of death,’ and any weakness could prove costly.<\/p>\n The timing of this crisis is especially worrying when facing a side like Nigeria. The Super Falcons<\/a> remain the most successful team in the competition\u2019s history and will arrive with confidence, experience, and stability.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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. H\u00e4uptle herself admitted afterwards that her team had been outplayed both physically and tactically.<\/p>\n![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/thumbor\/frwNCzzueTVOAeGm1uCfJD0PaS0=\/3456x4000\/smart\/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.soccernet.ng%2Fmain%2F2026%2F01%2Fimago48102192.jpg\")
Soccer Crisis clouds Zambia\u2019s chances against Nigeria<\/h2>\n
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