Asisat Oshoala’s first-half goal secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory for the Super Falcons over Zambia in their second Group C match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco on Saturday.
Nigeria played most of the encounter with 10 players after defender Tosin Demehin was sent off in the first half, but the nine-time African champions produced a resilient display to claim all three points and revive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
The Super Falcons entered the fixture determined to bounce back from a surprising 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in their opening match.
Zambia, meanwhile, came into the contest in high spirits after thrashing Egypt 6-0, with star forward Barbra Banda scoring four goals.
Head coach Justin Madugu made several changes to his starting line-up, handing starts to Oshoala, Uchenna Kanu, Deborah Abiodun and Rofiat Imuran.
Nigeria created the first clear opportunity in the fifth minute when Oshoala latched onto a long pass, but a heavy first touch allowed the Zambian goalkeeper to gather the ball.
The former African Women’s Player of the Year made amends three minutes later, finishing off Rasheedat Ajibade’s through ball. Her effort struck the goalkeeper before rebounding into the net to hand Nigeria the lead.
The Super Falcons suffered a setback later in the first half when Demehin received a straight red card after a VAR review ruled she had denied Banda a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Nigeria defended resolutely and carried their slender lead into the break.
Zambia introduced several substitutes in the second half, including Evarine Phiri, Evarine Katongo, Chisala Chipasula and Rachel Mupopo, in a bid to force an equaliser.
Madugu responded by bringing on Sikiratu Oladipo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Halimatu Ayinde and Esther Okoronkwo to reinforce his side and preserve the advantage.
The Super Falcons held firm until the final whistle to register their first victory of the tournament.
The win moves Nigeria onto three points from two matches, keeping their quarter-final hopes alive.
Malawi top Group C with six points after defeating Egypt 3-1, while Zambia and Nigeria both have three points, with Zambia ahead on goal difference. Egypt remain bottom of the group without a point.
Nigeria will face Egypt in a must-win clash on Wednesday, August 5, while Zambia take on group leaders Malawi on the same day.