The Super Falcons revived their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia in their Group C encounter on Saturday, securing their first points of the tournament.
Asisat Oshoala’s early strike proved decisive as Nigeria produced a disciplined defensive display to hold off the Copper Queens despite playing with 10 women for the entirety of the second half following Tosin Demehin’s first-half red card.
The victory was a timely response from Justin Madugu’s side after their shock 3-2 defeat to Malawi in the opening round, while it also handed Zambia their first loss of the competition after their emphatic 6-0 win over Egypt.
Nigeria made a bright start and took the lead in the eighth minute through Oshoala, who used her strength and composure inside the box to find the net for her first goal of the tournament.
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The Super Falcons looked to build on their advantage but endured a nervy spell during the half-hour mark as Demehin was involved in a lengthy VAR review for a potential red card. The defender initially escaped punishment, only to be sent off minutes later after receiving a straight red card for a challenge on Zambia captain Barbra Banda.
Despite being reduced to 10 players, Nigeria refused to retreat completely and continued to compete aggressively, frustrating Zambia’s attacking threats with an organised defensive performance.
Madugu reshuffled his side in the 50th minute, introducing defender Shukurat Oladipo for Rofiat Imuran to strengthen the backline before making further changes in the 68th minute as Halimatu Ayinde and Chinwendu Ihezuo replaced Deborah Abiodun and goalscorer Oshoala.
Nigeria nearly doubled their advantage in the 74th minute when Michelle Alozie delivered a dangerous free-kick into the area, but Ihezuo was unable to direct her effort on target as a deflection allowed the Zambian goalkeeper to gather comfortably.
Despite Zambia’s pressure in the closing stages, the Super Falcons managed the game expertly, limiting clear-cut opportunities and ensuring goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was rarely troubled as they held on for a vital three points.
The result lifts Nigeria to second place in Group C, while Zambia slip to third after Malawi’s 3-1 victory over Egypt moved the Scorchers to the top of the standings.
Nigeria will conclude their group-stage campaign against Egypt on Wednesday, August 5, while Zambia face Malawi in a decisive clash with qualification to the knockout stage still on the line.
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