Super Falcons of Nigeria returned to winning ways at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia despite playing more than half of the match with 10 players.
Gatekeepers News reports that Asisat Oshoala proved to be the difference after scoring the decisive goal in the eighth minute at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The experienced forward latched onto a long pass, surged past two defenders and, after seeing her initial effort saved by goalkeeper Hazel Nali, capitalised on the rebound to slot home the winner.
Nigeria’s task became more difficult in the 39th minute when defender Oluwatosin Demehin was shown a straight red card following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review for a foul on Zambia captain Barbra Banda. Reduced to 10 players, the Super Falcons were forced to defend for much of the encounter as the Copper Queens searched for an equaliser.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie produced a series of crucial saves to preserve Nigeria’s slender lead, while the team’s disciplined defensive display frustrated Zambia throughout the second half. Tactical substitutions by the coaching crew also helped the Falcons maintain their shape and see out the victory.
The result handed Nigeria its first win of the tournament after the disappointing 3-2 defeat to Malawi in the opening Group C match. The defending champions will now face Egypt in their final group fixture as they bid to secure a place in the knockout stage and keep their title defence on track.
