Asisat Oshoala fires Super Falcons past Zambia in crucial WAFCON win

Nigeria's Super Falcons responded to their disappointing start at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a determined 1-0 victory over Zambia in a fiercely contested Group C encounter at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

An early goal from Asisat Oshoala proved decisive as the defending African champions secured their first points of the tournament despite playing for more than 50 minutes with 10 players following Oluwatosin Demehin's first-half dismissal.

The victory breathes new life into Nigeria's title defence after the shock defeat to Malawi in their opening group fixture and keeps qualification for the knockout stages firmly within reach.

Oshoala gives Nigeria the perfect start

Knowing only a positive result would ease the pressure after their opening setback, the Super Falcons began with intensity and purpose. Their bright start paid off in just the eighth minute.

A perfectly weighted long ball released Oshoala behind Zambia's defence, and the experienced forward showed her pace and determination by outmuscling two defenders before bearing down on goal. Although goalkeeper Hazel Nali blocked her initial effort, the rebound ricocheted kindly off Oshoala and rolled into the net to hand Nigeria an early advantage.

It was a moment of persistence that underlined the striker's experience on the continental stage.

Red Card changes the contest

Nigeria appeared in control for much of the opening half until the match took a dramatic turn six minutes before the interval.

Following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, defender Oluwatosin Demehin was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Zambia captain Barbra Banda, leaving the Super Falcons to complete the remainder of the contest with 10 players.

The dismissal shifted momentum towards the Copper Queens, who dominated possession and committed more players forward in search of an equaliser.

Nnadozie delivers when Nigeria needed her most

Much of the spotlight before the match had fallen on goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who faced criticism after Nigeria's opening defeat. Against Zambia, however, the Paris FC shot-stopper produced a composed and confident display.

She made several crucial interventions to deny Zambia, commanding her penalty area and helping organise a disciplined Nigerian defence that absorbed wave after wave of pressure.

Her emotional reaction after the final whistle reflected both the relief of securing victory and the personal significance of bouncing back with such an influential performance.

Tactical discipline seals three valuable points

With their numerical disadvantage, Nigeria shifted focus from attacking football to disciplined defensive organisation.

The coaching staff introduced fresh legs during the second half, with Chinwendu Ihezuo among the substitutes who helped relieve pressure and provide an outlet on the counterattack.

Despite Zambia's sustained attacks, the Super Falcons remained compact, limiting clear-cut opportunities and protecting their slender lead until the final whistle.

The result highlighted the team's resilience, organisation and experience under pressure, qualities that have defined many of Nigeria's successful WAFCON campaigns.

What the result means

The victory moves Nigeria back into contention in Group C after suffering one of the tournament's biggest surprises against Malawi.

The defending champions will now turn their attention to a decisive final group-stage clash against Egypt, where another positive result could secure automatic qualification for the knockout rounds.

While improvements are still needed in maintaining discipline, the spirited display against Zambia demonstrated the fighting mentality that has made the Super Falcons Africa's most successful women's national team.

SportsLigue