Asisat Oshoala scores the winner after Blessing Demehin’s red card as Nigeria keeps knockout hopes alive in Group C.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons battled to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia despite playing with 10 women for most of the match, throwing Group C of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) wide open.
The defending champions secured all three points on Saturday in Rabat thanks to an early goal from six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala.
Oshoala put Nigeria ahead after just eight minutes when she outran two defenders before seeing her initial effort blocked by Zambian goalkeeper Hazel Nali. The rebound struck her leg and rolled into the net for the decisive goal.
Nigeria’s task became more difficult five minutes before half-time after defender Blessing Demehin was shown a straight red card for bringing down Zambia captain Barbra Banda.
Despite being reduced to 10 players, the Super Falcons defended resolutely to preserve their slender lead and revive their campaign for a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.
The result leaves Group C finely balanced after two matches. Malawi lead the standings with six points, while Nigeria and Zambia have three points each. Egypt remain without a point.
Nigeria will face Egypt in their final group match on Wednesday, while Malawi take on Zambia in a decisive southern African derby to determine the group’s qualification places.
Earlier on Saturday, Malawi continued their impressive campaign with a 3-1 victory over Egypt despite also finishing the game with 10 players.
Rose Kadzere and Faith Chinzimu gave Malawi a two-goal lead before star striker Temwa Chawinga added a third after the break. Egypt pulled one back through Eman Kassem for their first goal of the tournament.
The Group D fixtures conclude on Sunday, with leaders Ghana taking on Cameroon, while Mali face Cabo Verde.