WAFCON 2026: 10-player Super Falcons edge Zambia to revive quarter-final hopes

Nigeria’s Super Falcons returned to winning ways at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia on Saturday, despite playing much of the contest with 10 players.

The defending champions responded positively after their opening defeat to Malawi, claiming a crucial three points to keep their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive.

Veteran striker Asisat Oshoala scored the only goal of the encounter in the eighth minute, giving Nigeria an early advantage in the Group C clash.

The Falcons’ task became more difficult before the break when defender Oluwatosin Demehin was sent off after a challenge on Zambia captain Barbra Banda, leaving Nigeria to play the remainder of the match with a numerical disadvantage.

Zambia piled on the pressure in the second half in search of an equaliser, but goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and the Nigerian defence produced a resilient display to preserve the slim lead.

The victory lifts Nigeria to three points in Group C and keeps the team’s qualification hopes in its own hands ahead of its final group match against Egypt.