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Nigeria reignited their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia in Rabat on Saturday, overcoming the setback of playing more than half the match with 10 players to keep their hopes of retaining the continental title firmly alive.
The Super Falcons, who entered the encounter under pressure after their opening defeat to Malawi, produced a disciplined display to secure all three points despite the dismissal of defender Blessing Demehin before half-time.
Asisat Oshoala proved decisive for the defending champions, scoring the only goal of the match in the eighth minute.
The six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year capitalised on a defensive lapse, outpaced two Zambian defenders and, after goalkeeper Hazel Nali blocked her initial effort, bundled the rebound into the net.
Nigeria’s task became considerably more difficult in the 40th minute when Demehin received a straight red card for bringing down Zambia captain and star striker Barbra Banda, forcing the Super Falcons to play the remainder of the contest with a numerical disadvantage.
Despite sustained pressure from the Copper Queens after the dismissal, Nigeria defended resolutely to preserve their slender advantage and register a crucial victory that reopened the race for qualification from Group C.
The result leaves Malawi at the top of the group with six points from two matches, while Nigeria and Zambia are level on three points each. Egypt remain without a point after suffering consecutive defeats.
In the group’s earlier fixture, Malawi continued their impressive run by defeating Egypt 3-1 to strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stage.
Rose Kadzere opened the scoring after 35 minutes before Faith Chinzimu doubled Malawi’s advantage in first-half stoppage time. Although Malawi were reduced to 10 players when Rose Alufandika was sent off early in the second half, captain Temwa Chawinga extended the lead before Eman Kassem netted Egypt’s first goal of the tournament.
The final round of Group C matches will be played on Wednesday, with Nigeria facing Egypt knowing victory could secure a place in the knockout stage, while Malawi take on Zambia in a decisive southern African showdown.
Chasing a record-extending 11th WAFCON crown, the Super Falcons will now look to build on the resilience shown against Zambia as they bid to keep their title defence on course.
