Nigeria’s Super Falcons reignited their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia on Saturday, earning a crucial three points that revived their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Veteran striker Asisat Oshoala proved the difference, scoring the game’s only goal in the eighth minute as Nigeria responded positively to the disappointment of their opening defeat and produced a disciplined performance against one of Africa’s strongest women’s teams.
Head coach Justin Madugu made five changes to the starting lineup following Nigeria’s loss in their opening fixture, recalling Oshoala, Rofiat Imuran, Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini and Uchenna Kanu. The tactical reshuffle paid immediate dividends as the Super Falcons began the match with greater urgency, pressing Zambia high up the pitch and creating early opportunities.
Nigeria’s breakthrough came inside the opening 10 minutes when Oshoala capitalized on a defensive lapse to calmly finish past the Zambian goalkeeper, giving the nine-time African champions an early advantage they never relinquished.
The early goal transformed the contest, forcing Zambia to chase the game. Led by captain Barbra Banda and prolific forward Racheal Kundananji, the Copper Queens increased the pressure as the first half progressed, but Nigeria’s defense stood firm.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who had faced criticism after the opening match, responded with an assured display, commanding her penalty area and making several important interventions. She was well supported by the experienced defensive pairing of Osinachi Ohale and Oluwatosin Demehin, while Michelle Alozie and Rofiat Imuran provided defensive stability on the flanks.
Nigeria’s midfield trio of Christy Ucheibe, Deborah Abiodun and Jennifer Echegini worked tirelessly to disrupt Zambia’s rhythm, winning key battles in midfield and limiting the influence of the Copper Queens’ attacking stars.
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The Super Falcons faced an added challenge after being reduced to 10 players before halftime, forcing Madugu’s side to adopt a more compact and disciplined defensive approach for much of the second half. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Nigeria showed remarkable resilience, frustrating Zambia’s attempts to find an equalizer and protecting their slender lead until the final whistle.
The victory represents a significant psychological boost for Nigeria after the disappointment of the opening defeat. More importantly, it keeps the Super Falcons firmly in contention for a place in the knockout rounds of the expanded 16-team tournament.
Madugu’s decision to make sweeping changes before kickoff proved decisive. The return of Oshoala added experience and composure in attack, while the introduction of Echegini and Abiodun gave Nigeria greater energy and balance in midfield.
Rather than relying solely on possession, Nigeria adopted a more direct approach, pressing aggressively during the opening stages before settling into a compact defensive shape after taking the lead.
Defensively, the Super Falcons looked far more organized than in their previous outing. The back line maintained good positional discipline, limiting clear-cut chances for Zambia despite sustained periods of pressure.
The performance also highlighted the team’s fighting spirit. Playing with 10 players for a significant portion of the match demanded concentration, tactical discipline and physical commitment, qualities Nigeria displayed throughout the closing stages.
The victory lifts Nigeria’s confidence and keeps qualification for the quarterfinals within reach heading into the final group-stage fixtures. It also underlines why the Super Falcons remain among the favorites for the continental title despite their slow start.
For Zambia, the defeat leaves the Copper Queens with work to do in their remaining group matches, although the quality of players such as Banda and Kundananji means they remain dangerous opponents.
While there is still room for improvement, particularly in creating more chances in open play, Nigeria’s display showed greater organization, determination and tactical maturity. If the Super Falcons can build on this performance, they will once again be strong contenders to challenge for another WAFCON crown.
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