The Super Falcons of Nigeria have defeated Zambia 1-0 in their second Group C match at the ongoing women’s Africa Cup of Nations WAFCON 2026 in Morocco.
Veteran forward Asisat Oshoala scored the all-important winner early in the first half to resuscitate Nigeria’s title defence, and prevent the ignominious record of crashing out at the group stage for the first time in the tournament’s history.
The reigning WAFCON champions had suffered a shock 3-2 defeat to Malawi in their opening match, but held on to secure all three points against the Zambians despite going down to ten players in the first half.
Coach Justin Madugu reshuffled his pack and the notable absence was the ouster of Esther Okoronkwo to the bench.
The players had apologized for the Malawi loss and assured Nigerians of victory against Zambia, and the Rasheedat Ajibade-led ladies made good on their promise with the match-defining goal on eight minutes.
Oshoala made a determined run onto a through ball, outpacing two defenders to face the goalkeeper who saved her initial shot but a lucky ricochet off of the 31-year-old accomplished striker ensured the ball trickled into the unguarded net for 1-0.
Nigeria’s defence capitulated again when Blessing Demehin brought down Barbara Banda as the last defender and was shown a straight red card but VAR review showed the Zambia captain was offside and the red card was rescinded.
Demehin, however, made similar error in the 37th minute and VAR review upgraded her yellow card to red card, and the Super Falcons players displayed determination and grit as they played over 50 minutes with 10 players and did not concede.
The WAFCON champions, however, held on to win by the lone goal, sealing a fourth victory over Zambia in WAFCON history.
The Super Falcons are second in Group C with three points thanks to a better head-to-head advantage over Zambia who also have three points.
They face whipping team Egypt in their final group match to seal quarter-final qualification.
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