Early goal and heroic defending help Nigeria secure vital three points despite red card setback

Nigeria’s Super Falcons showed grit, discipline, and championship spirit as they edged Zambia 1-0 in a tense 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group C clash, despite playing with 10 players for more than half of the match.

Asisat Oshoala set the tone early, striking in the 8th minute to hand Nigeria a vital lead. The goal, coming at a crucial moment after their opening loss to Malawi, injected belief into a side under pressure to keep their title defence alive.

However, the game took a dramatic twist five minutes before halftime when defender Blessing Demehin was sent off following a challenge on Zambia’s dangerwoman, Barbra Banda. Reduced to 10 players, the Falcons were forced into a long, hard battle to protect their slim advantage.

What followed was a masterclass in resilience. Nigeria’s backline, marshalled with composure, absorbed relentless pressure from the Copper Queens, who pushed forward in search of an equaliser. In goal, Chiamaka Nnadozie rose to the occasion with a string of crucial saves, frustrating Zambia’s attack and preserving Nigeria’s lead.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Falcons held their shape, defended with determination, and refused to break under pressure until the final whistle.

The hard-fought victory marks Nigeria’s first win of the tournament and breathes new life into their campaign, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stage firmly on track.