Super Falcons Edge Zambia 1-0, Revive WAFCON Campaign
Super Falcons returned to winning ways at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a spirited 1-0 victory over Zambia’s Copper Queens on Saturday night, overcoming the challenge of playing more than half the match with 10 players.
The victory came as a strong response to the Falcons’ surprise defeat to Malawi, with the nine-time African champions producing a disciplined and determined display in Rabat to revive their campaign.
Asisat Oshoala proved to be the match winner, firing home in the eighth minute after latching onto a precise pass inside the penalty area before calmly beating the Zambian goalkeeper.
Nigeria dominated the early exchanges but suffered a major setback before half-time when central defender Tosin Demehin was sent off following a challenge on Zambia captain Barbra Banda.
Demehin had initially escaped punishment after a lengthy VAR review ruled Banda offside in an earlier incident. However, another robust challenge in the 40th minute earned the defender a red card, leaving the Super Falcons to play the remainder of the contest with 10 players.
Head coach Justin Madugu responded with tactical changes after the interval, introducing Shukurat Oladipo for debutant Rofiat Imuran to reinforce the defence.
The Falcons soaked up sustained pressure from Zambia throughout the second half but remained a threat on the break through Uchenna Kanu and substitute Esther Okoronkwo.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie produced another assured performance behind a resilient backline as Nigeria frustrated the Copper Queens to preserve their slender advantage and secure all three points.
The result keeps Nigeria firmly in contention for a place in the knockout stage ahead of Wednesday’s Group B clash with Egypt, who are still searching for their first point of the tournament after losing their opening two matches.
