Nigeria overcome sending off, Zambia to revive hopes
Nigeria revived their TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title defence with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia in Rabat, despite playing most of the match with 10 women on Saturday night.
Asisat Oshoala’s first-half goal hands the Super Falcons of Nigeria all three crucial points against Zambia.#SSFootball | #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2026 pic.twitter.com/zFgaRm6yFM — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 1, 2026
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Asisat Oshoala scored the decisive goal in the eighth minute at Al Madina Stadium as the Super Falcons responded to their shock opening defeat by Malawi with a performance built on discipline, resilience and survival.
Nigeria were forced to protect their lead for more than half the match after Oluwatosin Demehin was sent off in the 40th minute.
8’ ⚽️ Oshoala
43’ 🟥 Demehin
The Super Falcons of Nigeria end the half one goal up but with one less player.
📺 Stream live: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc#SSFootball | #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2026 pic.twitter.com/ZCUGk9kRRC — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 1, 2026
Zambia pushed for an equaliser after the break, but the defending champions held firm to claim three crucial points in Group C.
The result keeps Nigeria’s quarterfinal hopes alive after Malawi’s 3-1 victory over Egypt earlier in the day left the champions under even greater pressure.
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