Nigeria’s Super Falcons responded to their opening setback at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a determined 1-0 victory over Zambia, keeping both their title defence and hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup firmly alive.
After suffering a shock 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in their first group match, the defending African champions entered Saturday’s encounter knowing that anything less than victory could leave them on the brink of elimination. They delivered when it mattered most, thanks to an early strike from six-time African Women’s Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala.
Oshoala’s Early Strike Makes the Difference
Nigeria made an ideal start at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat when Oshoala found the breakthrough in the eighth minute. The experienced forward reacted quickest after Zambia goalkeeper Hazel Nali parried her initial effort, with the ball bouncing off her thigh and into the net.
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The early goal settled Nigeria after the disappointment of their opening defeat and forced Zambia, who had thrashed Egypt 6-0 in their first game, to chase the match.
Oshoala’s decisive finish once again highlighted her importance to the Super Falcons, whose hopes of extending their record as Africa’s most successful women’s national team remain alive.
Super Falcons Dig Deep After Red Card
Nigeria’s task became significantly more difficult just before half-time when defender Oluwatosin Demehin was sent off following a VAR review. Initially shown a yellow card for bringing down Zambia captain Barbra Banda, the decision was upgraded to a red after officials ruled she was the last defender.
Reduced to 10 players for more than half the contest, the Super Falcons were forced into a disciplined defensive display.
Zambia dominated possession and introduced fresh attacking options in search of an equaliser, but Nigeria’s backline remained organised. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie produced another assured performance, while the defence frustrated the Copper Queens throughout the second half.
Coach Justine Madugu also made key substitutions, introducing Halimatu Ayinde, Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Sikiratu Oladipo to help preserve the narrow advantage.
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Qualification Race Remains Wide Open
The victory lifts Nigeria to three points in Group C, level with Zambia, while Malawi remain top after defeating Egypt 3-1 earlier in the day.
With one group match remaining, the Super Falcons still have work to do but are back in contention for a place in the quarter-finals. Reaching the last four would automatically secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The result also demonstrated the resilience that has defined Nigeria’s success over the years. Despite playing with 10 women for much of the match, the defending champions held firm to keep their campaign alive.
Attention now turns to Nigeria’s final group fixture against Egypt, where another positive result could seal a place in the knockout stage of WAFCON and move the Super Falcons one step closer to another continental title and another appearance on the world stage.
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