Nigeria lead Zambia 1-0 at half-time in their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations match after a fast start from the Super Falcons and a first-half sending-off that has left the contest finely balanced.
Asisat Oshoala put Nigeria in front in the eighth minute, finishing from a well-positioned situation to give her side an early advantage. The experienced forward’s goal came shortly after the match began and immediately placed Zambia under pressure.
The Super Falcons made the ideal start, taking control of the scoreboard before the game had settled. Oshoala’s strike was the decisive moment of an intense opening period and ensured Nigeria reached the interval ahead.
Zambia were forced to respond after conceding, with the Copper Queens enjoying possession on broadly equal terms as the half developed. However, they were unable to turn that share of the ball into a shot on target before the interval.
Nigeria’s position became more difficult in the 40th minute when defender Oluwatosin Demehin was shown a straight red card. Her dismissal reduced the Super Falcons to 10 players and gave Zambia a numerical advantage for the closing stages of the first half.
The Copper Queens were unable to make that extra player count before the half-time whistle, leaving Nigeria with their narrow lead intact. Zambia’s failure to test the Nigerian goal during that period means Oshoala’s early finish remains the difference between the teams.
The result at the break sets up an uncertain second half. Nigeria must protect their advantage while playing with 10 players, whereas Zambia will look to make better use of their numerical superiority after the restart.
Although the opening 45 minutes produced only one goal, it featured a rapid Nigerian breakthrough, a sustained response from Zambia and a major disciplinary turning point. Oshoala’s eighth-minute effort has so far carried the Super Falcons through a demanding first half, but Demehin’s dismissal has changed the balance of the match.
Zambia now have the opportunity to exploit the extra space and additional player in the second period, while Nigeria will aim to preserve the lead created by their star striker. At half-time, the Super Falcons remain in front, but the circumstances surrounding the scoreline ensure the contest is still completely open.