By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Nigeria’s Super Falcons reignited their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia on Saturday night, overcoming the challenge of playing with 10 women for more than 50 minutes to keep their hopes of retaining the continental title alive.

The defending champions went into the Group C encounter under pressure after suffering a shock 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in their opening match.

Needing a positive response, the Falcons made a dream start as six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala struck in the eighth minute to hand Nigeria an early lead.

Nigeria’s task became significantly more difficult in the 40th minute when defender Blessing Demehin was shown a straight red card, forcing the Super Falcons to play the remainder of the match with 10 players. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Nigerians produced a disciplined defensive display to frustrate the Copper Queens, who were unable to find an equaliser.

Coach Justin Madugu reshuffled his side in the second half, introducing fresh legs including Shukurat Oladipo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Halimatu Ayinde and Esther Okoronkwo as Zambia piled on the pressure. However, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and the Nigerian backline stood firm to preserve the narrow advantage until the final whistle.

The victory earned Nigeria their first three points of the tournament and breathed new life into their quest for another WAFCON crown after the disappointing opening-day defeat. Zambia, one of the tournament favourites, failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage despite dominating large spells of the second half.

With the crucial win, the Super Falcons remain firmly in contention for a place in the knockout stage as the race for the Group C qualification spots intensifies.