RABAT, Morocco — Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala scored the only goal of the match as Nigeria secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Zambia in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group C encounter on Saturday, boosting the team’s chances of reaching the knockout stage.
Oshoala found the back of the net in the eighth minute, giving Nigeria an early lead that proved decisive. The experienced forward made the most of an attacking opportunity to put the Super Falcons ahead and provide the perfect start for the nine-time African champions.
Nigeria’s task became much more difficult just before halftime when defender Oluwatosin Demehin was shown a red card in the 45th minute, forcing the Super Falcons to play the entire second half with 10 players.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Nigerian team displayed remarkable resilience and defensive discipline to protect their lead. Zambia pushed hard in search of an equaliser, but the Super Falcons remained organised at the back and denied their opponents any clear opportunities to level the score.
The victory represents an important boost for Nigeria after a challenging start to the tournament. Securing all three points has significantly improved the team’s position in Group C and strengthened its hopes of progressing to the next stage of the competition.
Head coach Justine Madugu praised the determination shown by his players, who continued to fight despite being reduced to 10 women. The team’s ability to defend under pressure highlighted the experience and character within the squad.
Oshoala once again demonstrated why she remains one of Nigeria’s most influential players. The veteran striker has consistently delivered in major tournaments, and her early goal proved enough to separate the two sides in a fiercely contested match.
The Super Falcons will now turn their attention to their final group-stage fixture against Egypt. Nigeria will be aiming for another victory to secure qualification for the knockout rounds and maintain their bid for a record-extending WAFCON title.
Egypt enter the match without a point after losing their opening two games of the tournament. Nigeria will hope to take advantage of that situation while ensuring they avoid the defensive lapses and disciplinary issues that made the contest against Zambia more difficult than expected.
The coaching staff are also expected to assess their defensive options following Demehin’s dismissal, with adjustments likely to be made ahead of the Egypt clash.
Saturday’s hard-fought victory underlined Nigeria’s ability to grind out results even under difficult circumstances. Playing with 10 players for an entire half required discipline, teamwork and determination, qualities that could prove vital as the tournament progresses.
With confidence restored and qualification firmly within reach, the Super Falcons remain focused on finishing the group stage strongly before shifting their attention to the knockout rounds.
Nigeria will now prepare for the decisive encounter against Egypt, knowing another positive result could secure a place in the next phase of the competition and keep alive their dream of lifting another Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
