Nigeria win at the 2026 WAFCON.
eragbie Joshua / Alamy / Profimedia
From our Sports desk, Benin
The Nigeria Super Falcons have conquered all doubts and fears, as they managed to fly past the Copper Queens of Zambia at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday night, 1 August, 2026.
In a hard fought encounter, the Nigeria team registered an early goal in the 8th minute of play, scored by the veteran striker, Asisat Oshoala, wearing the number 8 jersey.
After the shock 3-2 defeat to the Malawi team in their opening game last Tuesday, the victory means; the team has been able to claw its way back into contention, and revived their hopes of reaching the knockout stages in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
The team was able to hold onto the Oshoala first half goal despite playing with 10 players for most of the contest, after Oluwatosin Demehin was issued a red card by the centre referee for a foul on Zambia’s danger woman; Barbra Banda.
Before the game, fear, doubts and heavy criticism trailed the Nigeria team quality, capacity and capability to effectively fly; after the loss to Malawi.
Consequently, the Super Falcons entered the second game under pressure, while Zambia basking in their 6-0 defeat of the Egyptian team, arrived full of confidence.
The Copper Queens made the brighter start, but it was the West Africans who created the first clear opportunity when Oshoala found herself one-on-one with the Zambia goalkeeper, Hazel Nali.
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But the experienced forward surprisingly missed from close range.
However, four minutes later, the former Barcelona and Arsenal forward made amends for her initial miss to open scoring; after capitalising on a defensive misunderstanding between Lushomo Mweemba and Mapalo Maluba.
Rasheedat Ajibade played a long ball into the Zambian penalty area, with the goalkeeper, Nali rushing off her line to deal with the danger.
Wearing the number 8 jersey, veteran striker, Asisat Oshoala leading other members of the Super Falcons in celebrating the only goal of the encounter
Although the goalkeeper initially saved Oshoala’s effort, the striker reacted quickest to fire home at the second attempt.
10 minutes later, the Super Falcons almost increased their goal tally when captain Ajibade tested Nali with an inswinging free-kick, but the goalkeeper was well positioned to make the save.
As time progresses, the game changed dramatically when the reigning African Queens were reduced to 10 players.
Demehin was initially shown a yellow card for a challenge on Barbra Banda, but referee Josephine Wanjiku overturned the decision following a VAR review and issued a red card for serious foul play.
The dismissal handed Zambia greater control and allowed the Copper Queens to increase the pressure in search of an equaliser.
However, Nigeria’s defence remained resolute, with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie producing several important saves to preserve her team’s advantage.
Michelle Alozie and Osinachi Ohale were also outstanding at the back, making crucial interventions to contain Banda, Regina Chanda, Prisca Chilufya and Racheal Kundananji as the Copper Queens piled pressure.
Coach Madugu made several changes after the first half break as Nigeria seek to protect their lead and maintain their defensive structure.
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Even at that, the Copper Queens continued to create openings, while the Super Falcons also had opportunities to extend their advantage, but neither side could score any more goal.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to their final Group C fixture against Egypt, needing a convincing victory to strengthen their chances of progressing to the knockout stage.
Zambia, meanwhile, will face Malawi the group’s table topper with six convincing points, knowing that victory could keep their own quarter-final hopes alive.
Third and final group C game:
Nig. Vs. Egypt
Wed, 5 Aug
21:00p.m
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) takes place from July 26th to August 16th in Morocco, across venues in Rabat and Casablanca.
The continent’s 16 best sides are competing in groups of four before the knockout stages commence on August 8th.
Below, we bring our readers, comments of some Super Falcons’ fans on the social media after the victory over Zambia.
BLISSFULLNOTES
@blissfullnotess
Nothing like narrow, win na win. Win with 10 players you dey call narrow
David Arowojolu
@Its_superdave
“Ooh! Banda this, Banda that…”
Abegiiii
It’s Super Falcons we’re talking about
10 freaking champions of Africa
The same Zambia wey chop 5 last year against this same Falcons???
Not even at the group stage, Quarterfinals o
Come on! Respect these ladies!
Yes! It was hard-fought, but watch them qualify out of the group on Wednesday.
They’ve done it before, so, no fear…
GBEMISOLA CFC💙
@QUEENOFDBLUES1
E no go better for Dehemin.
She made everybody to be under extreme pressure.
A føøl of a defender!
A narrow win, but a valuable three points for Nigeria, CAF wrote!
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