The Super Falcons of Nigeria have revived their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia in their second Group C match in Morocco.
Asisat Oshoala scored the only goal of the game in the eighth minute as Nigeria responded strongly to their opening defeat by Malawi.
The nine-time African champions were forced to play most of the match with 10 players after defender Tosin Demehin was sent off before half-time, but they held firm under sustained pressure from Zambia to claim three important points.
Nigeria had arrived at the match needing a response after suffering a surprise 3-2 defeat against tournament debutants Malawi in their opening fixture.
Their task was made more difficult by the form of their opponents. Zambia had begun their campaign with an emphatic 6-0 victory over Egypt, with Barbra Banda scoring four times in that match.
Head coach Justin Madugu made four changes to his starting team for the meeting with Zambia, bringing Oshoala, Uchenna Kanu, Deborah Abiodun and Rofiat Imuran into the lineup.
The changes immediately appeared to pay dividends as Nigeria looked dangerous early in the contest.
Oshoala had an opportunity to put the Super Falcons ahead in the fifth minute after running onto a long pass, but her first touch was too heavy and allowed the Zambian goalkeeper to collect the ball.
The former opportunity was quickly forgotten, however, as the experienced forward found the breakthrough three minutes later.
Rasheedat Ajibade played an accurate through ball into Oshoala’s path, giving the striker the chance to finish. Her attempt hit the goalkeeper before rebounding off her and crossing the line to give Nigeria the lead.
The Super Falcons then faced a major setback when Demehin was dismissed following a VAR review.
The defender was shown a straight red card after the review determined that she had denied Banda a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Nigeria were therefore required to defend their lead with a player fewer for the majority of the match.
Rather than allowing the red card to disrupt their organisation, the Super Falcons remained disciplined and managed to restrict Zambia’s attacking threat for the rest of the opening half.
Zambia attempted to change the momentum after the break by making a series of substitutions. Evarine Phiri, Evarine Katongo, Chisala Chipasula and Rachel Mupopo were introduced as the Zambians searched for a way back into the match.
Madugu also made changes as Nigeria sought to protect their advantage.
Sikiratu Isah, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Halimatu Ayinde and Esther Okoronkwo were brought on, with the changes aimed at strengthening the Super Falcons as they came under increasing pressure.
The Nigerian defence continued to withstand Zambia’s attempts to find an equaliser.
Despite being reduced to 10 players, Nigeria preserved their one-goal advantage until the final whistle and secured their first victory of the tournament.
The result moves the Super Falcons onto three points from two matches, putting them level with Zambia in Group C.
Malawi remain top of the section with six points after beating Egypt 3-1. Egypt, who have lost both of their matches, are bottom without a point.
Nigeria’s victory means their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage have been revived, but they still have work to do in their final group match.
The Super Falcons will face Egypt on Wednesday, 5 August, knowing that another positive result will be important to their hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals.
Zambia, meanwhile, will meet group leaders Malawi in the other final Group C fixture.
Nigeria’s ability to hold on against Zambia after Demehin’s dismissal will provide encouragement after the disappointment of their opening defeat. Oshoala’s early goal ultimately proved enough to secure a crucial win and keep the Super Falcons’ campaign alive.
