Nigeria, July 20 -- Zambia captain Barbra Banda has issued a heartfelt apology to fans following the Copper Queens' 5-0 loss to Nigeria's Super Falcons in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca.

The crushing defeat brought an abrupt end to Zambia's impressive campaign, which had seen them progress from a tough group featuring hosts Morocco, Senegal, and DR Congo. But against the nine-time African champions on Friday, the Copper Queens struggled to contain a dominant Nigerian side that took control from the opening minutes and never looked back.

In an emotional open letter posted on her Facebook page and addressed to the people of Zambia, Banda admitted the team fell short of expectations and a...