Ten-Player Super Falcons Edge Zambia to Revive WAFCON Title Defence
Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia in their second Group C fixture at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The decisive moment came early in the match when forward Asisat Oshoala found the back of the net, giving Nigeria a crucial lead that ultimately proved enough to earn all three points. The win was vital for the defending champions, who were seeking to recover from their opening loss to Malawi.
Nigeria’s performance was tested after they were reduced to 10 players before halftime. Defender Blessing Demehin was sent off following a VAR review, leaving the team to play the remainder of the match with a numerical disadvantage. Despite the setback, the Falcons maintained defensive discipline and resilience to preserve their lead.
Earlier in the encounter, a separate decision involving Demehin had been overturned after a review confirmed an offside infringement, but a subsequent challenge later resulted in her dismissal.
Head coach Justin Madugu made adjustments to the starting lineup, with key changes reflecting the team’s determination to respond positively after their previous defeat. The players delivered a more composed and focused performance, particularly in defence, to withstand Zambia’s pressure.
The victory marks Nigeria’s fourth win over Zambia in WAFCON history and places the team second in Group C with three points. They will now face Egypt in their final group match, where a positive result could secure qualification for the quarter-finals.
