The Super Falcons of Nigeria bounced back from their opening match defeat at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to beat Zambia 1-0 in their Group C clash on Saturday.
Needing a positive response after losing to Malawi in their opening match, Nigeria made the perfect start as six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala found the breakthrough in the eighth minute to give the defending champions an early advantage.
The match took a dramatic turn five minutes before half-time when defender Oluwatosin Demehin was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Zambia captain Barbra Banda, leaving the Super Falcons to play the remainder of the contest with 10 players.
Oshoala strikes early
Nigeria started brightly and were rewarded for their early pressure through Oshoala, whose close-range finish proved enough to separate the two sides.
The early goal gave Justine Madugu’s side confidence, but Zambia gradually grew into the game as they searched for an equaliser before the interval.
However, Nigeria’s task became even more challenging after Demehin’s dismissal, forcing the defending champions to adopt a more cautious approach for the rest of the encounter.
Falcons hold firm under pressure
With a numerical disadvantage throughout the second half, Nigeria were forced to absorb sustained pressure from the Copper Queens.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie produced an assured performance between the posts, while the Nigerian defence remained organised to frustrate Zambia’s dangerous attacking line led by Barbra Banda.
Despite several attacking efforts from the Copper Queens, the Super Falcons held on to secure all three points and register their first win of the tournament.
