By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Defending champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons bounced back from their opening-day disappointment with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia in their second Group C fixture at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday night.
Asisat Oshoala proved to be the difference at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, with the experienced striker scoring the game’s only goal in the eighth minute to hand the Super Falcons a crucial three points.
The Al-Hilal forward lashed on to a superb pass from captain Rasheedat Ajibade to score the winning goal giving Justine Madugu’s side the perfect start after their shock defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in their opening game.
Nigeria’s task became significantly tougher late in the first half when centre-back Oluwatosin Demehin was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for a dangerous challenge, reducing the Super Falcons to 10 players five minutes before the interval.
Despite playing the entire second half with a numerical disadvantage, the nine-time African champions produced a disciplined defensive display to keep the Copper Queens at bay.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie made a number of important saves, while the Nigerian backline stood firm under sustained Zambian pressure, denying dangerous forwards Barbara Banda and Racheal Kundananji clear-cut opportunities.
The victory puts the Super Falcons’ campaign firmly back on track after Tuesday’s setback and boosts their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to their final Group C fixture against Egypt, knowing another positive result could secure a place in the knockout stage.
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