Nigeria’s Super Falcons boosted their hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia in their second Group C match on Saturday.
Captain Asisat Oshoala scored the decisive goal early in the encounter as the nine-time African champions bounced back to winning ways in a match that eventually tested their resilience after being reduced to 10 players before half-time.
The victory keeps Nigeria’s qualification hopes alive and sets up a decisive final group-stage showdown against Egypt.
Falcons Needed a Positive Result
The match carried enormous significance for the Super Falcons after results elsewhere in the group increased the pressure on the Nigerian side.
Earlier on Saturday, Malawi defeated Egypt 3-1, a result that meant Nigeria could not afford another setback if they hoped to remain in contention for a place in the quarter-finals.
A defeat against Zambia would have ended the Super Falcons’ campaign and dashed their hopes of progressing beyond the group stage.
Knowing the importance of the fixture, Nigeria started aggressively in search of an early breakthrough.
Oshoala Delivers Early Winner
The breakthrough came in the eighth minute through experienced forward Asisat Oshoala.
The striker initially saw her first attempt denied by the Zambian goalkeeper, but fortune favoured the Nigerian captain as the rebound fell kindly back into her path.
Oshoala reacted quickest to slot the ball into the net, handing Nigeria an early lead and what ultimately proved to be the winning goal.
The goal lifted the confidence of the Super Falcons, who controlled much of the early exchanges while attempting to extend their advantage.
Red Card Changes the Contest
Nigeria’s task became considerably more difficult just before half-time when defender Oluwatosin Demehin was shown a straight red card in the 40th minute.
The dismissal forced the Super Falcons to play the remainder of the first half and the entire second half with only 10 players.
The numerical disadvantage shifted momentum in Zambia’s favour as they increased pressure in search of an equaliser.
Defensive Display Secures Victory
Despite playing with one player fewer for more than 50 minutes, the Super Falcons produced a disciplined defensive performance.
Nigeria’s backline remained organised, limiting Zambia’s clear-cut opportunities while protecting the narrow advantage created by Oshoala’s early strike.
The team’s determination and defensive resilience ensured they held on until the final whistle to secure all three points.
The victory marks an important response from the Nigerian side as they continue their quest for another continental title.
Qualification Race Still Open
Following Saturday’s result, Nigeria moved into second place in Group C, holding the advantage over Zambia based on the head-to-head record.
However, qualification for the quarter-finals is yet to be secured.
The Super Falcons will now turn their attention to their final group-stage fixture against Egypt, a match expected to determine whether they progress to the knockout stage.
Nigeria will be aiming for a convincing victory to strengthen their chances of reaching the last eight and keeping alive their ambitions of winning another WAFCON title.
With qualification still within reach, the Super Falcons know another disciplined performance in their final group match could be enough to book a place in the quarter-finals and continue their campaign.
