Nigeria’s Super Falcons bounced back from their opening defeat at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a determined 1-0 victory over Zambia in their second Group C match in Morocco on Saturday.
Asisat Oshoala scored the decisive goal in the eighth minute, while the nine-time African champions produced a spirited defensive display after defender Tosin Demehin was sent off in the first half.
Reduced to 10 players for much of the contest, Nigeria showed resilience to protect their narrow advantage and secure a vital three points.
The Super Falcons entered the encounter under pressure following a disappointing 3-2 loss to tournament debutants Malawi in their opening fixture.
Zambia, meanwhile, came into the game full of confidence after thrashing Egypt 6-0, with star striker Barbra Banda grabbing four goals.
Head coach Justin Madugu made several changes to his starting lineup, handing starts to Oshoala, Uchenna Kanu, Deborah Abiodun and Rofiat Imuran.
Nigeria nearly opened the scoring in the fifth minute when Oshoala chased a long pass, but a heavy first touch allowed the Zambian goalkeeper to gather the ball.
Three minutes later, however, the experienced striker made no mistake.
Rasheedat Ajibade’s perfectly weighted through pass released Oshoala, whose effort struck the goalkeeper before bouncing back off her and into the net.
The Super Falcons suffered a major setback before halftime when Demehin was shown a straight red card after a VAR review ruled that she had denied Banda a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Nigeria remained organised and frustrated Zambia’s attacking efforts for the remainder of the first half.
After the restart, Zambia introduced several substitutes, including Evarine Phiri, Evarine Katongo, Chisala Chipasula and Rachel Mupopo, in a bid to find an equaliser.
Madugu responded with tactical substitutions, bringing on Sikiratu Isah, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Halimatu Ayinde and Esther Okoronkwo to reinforce his side defensively.
The Super Falcons withstood sustained pressure in the closing stages to record their first win of the tournament and reignite their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.
The result leaves Nigeria on three points from two matches, level with Zambia, while Malawi top Group C with six points after defeating Egypt 3-1.
Egypt remain without a point at the bottom of the standings.
Nigeria will now face Egypt in a crucial final group game on Wednesday, August 5, while Zambia take on group leaders Malawi in the other Group C fixture.
