Nigeria Get Back On Track With 1-0 Win Over Zambia At WAFCON

Oshoala fires 10-player Nigeria past Zambia to revive WAFCON hopes  

After losing to Malawi, Nigeria responded with a 1-0 victory over Zambia at WAFCON. Oshoala scored as Madugu’s side moved closer to the quarter-finals.

10-woman Nigeria edge Zambia 1-0 as Nnadozie stars in WAFCON win...

Nigeria got their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations back on track with a gritty 1-0 win over Zambia in Rabat at Al Madina Stadium, moving them closer to a knockout spot.

Asisat Oshoala netted the winner in the first half, and the Super Falcons held firm for the rest of the game despite being reduced to 10 players after Oluwatosin Demehin was sent off.

The win was crucial for Justine Madugu’s team, who were coming off a frustrating 3-2 loss to WAFCON newcomers Malawi in their Group C opener.

Nigeria went into the game under pressure, but Zambia came in riding high after a 6-0 demolition of Egypt in their first match.

Zambia started the stronger, but Nigeria had the first big chance. Oshoala broke through one-on-one with Hazel Nali, but the veteran striker shockingly fluffed it from close range.

Just four minutes later, the ex-Barcelona and Arsenal forward made up for it. Oshoala pounced on a mix-up between Lushomo Mweemba and Mapalo Maluba to put Nigeria ahead.

The match turned when Nigeria were down to 10. Demehin first got a yellow for her tackle on Barbra Banda, but after a VAR review referee Josephine Wanjiku upgraded it to a straight red for serious foul play.

FULL-TIME! 🇳🇬🇿🇲

A narrow win, but a valuable three points for Nigeria. ✅#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2026 pic.twitter.com/w499Ve9aTp

— CAF Women Football (@CAFwomen) August 1, 2026

The red card gave Zambia the upper hand and the Copper Queens pushed hard for an equaliser. Nigeria’s backline held firm though, with Chiamaka Nnadozie making a string of key saves to keep the lead.

Michelle Alozie and Osinachi Ohale were solid at the back too, stepping in with key tackles and blocks to keep Banda, Regina Chanda, Prisca Chilufya and Racheal Kundananji quiet as Zambia pressed.

Coach Madugu rang the changes after half-time to shore things up and protect the lead. Still, Zambia kept finding chances, and Nigeria had openings to make it 2-0, but the scoreline stayed 1-0.

The final whistle brought a huge sigh of relief for the defending champions, who picked up their first win of the tournament and took a big step toward the quarter-finals.

Next up for Nigeria is a final Group C game against Egypt, where they’ll need a strong win to boost their chances of reaching the knockout round.

Zambia, on the other hand, take on Malawi in their next match with a win needed to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.