Super Falcons edge Zambia 1-0 in crucial WAFCON comeback bid

Nigeria's Super Falcons secured a 1-0 victory over Zambia's Copper Queens in their second Group C match of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday in Rabat, Morocco. Asisat Oshoala delivered the match-winning goal in the eighth minute, providing an immediate boost to the ten-time African champions' title defence after they fell to an unexpected 3-2 defeat against Malawi in their opening fixture.

The Super Falcons' task proved significantly more challenging after defender Oluwatosin Demehin received a straight red card during the match. Nigeria spent the majority of the encounter playing with ten players but managed to maintain their lead and secure the three points needed to revive their knockout stage ambitions.

The defensive resilience displayed under these difficult circumstances highlighted the team's capacity to execute their tactical approach despite numerical disadvantage. Zambia had entered the contest with considerable momentum, having demolished Egypt 6-0 in their opening Group C match.

Forward Rachael Kundananji and her teammates expressed pre-match confidence in their ability to challenge the defending champions, though the result demonstrated Nigeria's experience in high-pressure tournament situations. The victory keeps the Super Falcons' path to the quarter-finals open as they continue their campaign.

Head coach Justin Madugu made tactical adjustments ahead of the Zambia fixture following the Malawi setback. The narrow win against the Copper Queens provided Nigeria with the points required to remain in contention for progression from the group stage, with further fixtures remaining in their tournament campaign.