Nigeria overcomes early red card to edge Zambia 1-0, keeping hopes of a record 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title firmly alive ahead of a crucial final group clash with Egypt.
By A1NEWS International
Rabat, Morocco | August 2, 2026
Defending champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons produced a resilient and courageous performance to defeat Zambia 1-0 despite playing with ten women for more than half the match, reigniting their quest for a historic 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
The hard-fought Group C victory at Al Medina Stadium, Rabat, throws the group wide open ahead of Wednesday’s decisive final round of matches, with qualification for the knockout stage still hanging in the balance.
Led by the experience of six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala, the Super Falcons demonstrated tactical discipline, defensive resilience and championship mentality to overcome the numerical disadvantage after defender Blessing Demehin received a straight red card before halftime.
Oshoala Delivers Early Breakthrough
Nigeria began the encounter with intensity, pressing Zambia high and forcing mistakes from the opening whistle.
Their pressure paid off in just the eighth minute when veteran striker Asisat Oshoala punished Zambia’s defence with a determined attacking move.
Using her pace, Oshoala outran two defenders before goalkeeper Hazel Nali blocked her initial effort. However, the rebound ricocheted off the Nigerian forward and rolled into the net, giving Nigeria a priceless early advantage.
The goal proved decisive in what became one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament.
For Oshoala, it was another reminder of her enduring importance to the Super Falcons as Nigeria seeks to reclaim continental supremacy.
Red Card Changes The Match
The complexion of the encounter changed dramatically in the 40th minute when Nigerian defender Blessing Demehin was sent off after bringing down Zambia captain and star striker Barbra Banda as the dangerous forward raced towards goal.
Reduced to ten players, Nigeria were forced to abandon their attacking rhythm and adopt a disciplined defensive structure for the remainder of the contest.
The dismissal handed Zambia numerical superiority and increased expectations that the Copper Queens would mount a comeback.
However, Nigeria’s defence remained organised and resolute throughout the second half.
Super Falcons Show Championship Character
Despite sustained Zambian pressure after the interval, Nigeria refused to surrender their advantage.
The defensive line absorbed repeated attacks while the midfield worked tirelessly to frustrate Zambia’s attempts to create clear scoring opportunities.
Goalkeeping composure, disciplined positioning and effective game management ultimately ensured that the Super Falcons protected their narrow lead until the final whistle.
The victory demonstrated the team’s mental toughness following their disappointing opening defeat against Malawi.
Group C Race Wide Open
The result significantly reshapes the Group C standings heading into the final round of fixtures.
Current standings after two matches:
- Malawi – 6 points
- Nigeria – 3 points
- Zambia – 3 points
- Egypt – 0 points
Nigeria will now face Egypt in a must-win encounter, while Malawi take on Zambia in another decisive fixture that could determine the final qualification positions.
The Super Falcons remain firmly in contention to defend their continental crown despite suffering an early setback in the competition.
Malawi Continue Fairytale Campaign
Earlier in the day, Malawi continued their remarkable tournament by defeating Egypt 3-1, recording their second consecutive victory after their shock triumph over Nigeria.
Goals from Rose Kadzere, Faith Chinzimu, and star striker Temwa Chawinga secured maximum points despite Malawi being reduced to ten players early in the second half.
Egypt managed a consolation goal through Eman Kassem, but remain without a point after two matches and now face an uphill battle against Nigeria.
Nigeria Eyes Historic 11th Continental Crown
Nigeria entered the tournament as defending champions and the most successful nation in WAFCON history.
Winning an 11th continental title would further cement the Super Falcons’ dominance in African women’s football.
Although the campaign suffered an early setback against Malawi, Saturday’s determined victory over Zambia has restored belief within the squad ahead of the decisive group-stage finale.
The result also highlights the team’s ability to withstand adversity—an attribute often associated with championship-winning sides.
Nigeria’s hard-earned victory over Zambia may prove to be a defining moment in the Super Falcons’ WAFCON 2026 campaign.
With Asisat Oshoala once again delivering when it mattered most and the team showing remarkable resilience after playing more than half the match with ten players, the defending champions have kept their dream of retaining the African title alive.
Attention now shifts to Wednesday’s crucial showdown against Egypt, where another victory could secure Nigeria’s passage into the knockout rounds and keep alive hopes of an unprecedented 11th WAFCON championship.
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