Nigeria secured a vital 1-0 victory over Zambia in their second Group C match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday.
The Super Falcons played more than half the game with ten players yet held firm at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
Asisat Oshoala, the record six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, scored the only goal in the eighth minute.
She raced onto a long pass, outpaced two Zambian defenders and shot at goal. Goalkeeper Hazel Nali blocked the effort, but the rebound struck Oshoala’s right leg and rolled into the net.
The early lead gave Nigeria an immediate boost after their shock opening defeat to Malawi.
The match turned in the 40th minute. Defender Oluwatosin Demehin fouled Zambia captain Barbra Banda. After a video assistant referee review, the referee issued a straight red card. Nigeria then defended with ten players for the rest of the contest.
Zambia pressed hard in the second half and created several chances. Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie made important saves while the back line stayed organised. Despite the numerical advantage, Zambia failed to equalise.
The result left Malawi top of Group C with six points from two matches. Nigeria and Zambia both sat on three points, while Egypt remained without a point.
Nigeria, the defending champions and ten-time winners, next face Egypt on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Malawi meet Zambia in the other Group C fixture.
Coach Justine Madugu’s side responded to their earlier setback and kept their knockout-stage hopes alive with the hard-fought win.
