Defending champions Nigeria breathed new life into their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title defence on Saturday night, grinding out a resilient 1-0 victory over Zambia despite playing more than half the match with 10 players.
Asisat Oshoala’s eighth-minute strike proved decisive at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat as the Super Falcons bounced back from their shock opening defeat to Malawi with a spirited display of determination and defensive discipline.
The victory earned Nigeria three vital points in Group C and kept their quarter-final hopes alive after Malawi had earlier strengthened their position at the top of the group with a 3-1 victory over Egypt.
Knowing that another defeat would leave their title defence hanging by a thread, the Super Falcons produced the response expected of Africa’s most successful women’s national team.
Justine Madugu’s side made the perfect start when Oshoala struck in the eighth minute, calming nerves after Nigeria’s disappointing 3-2 loss to tournament debutants Malawi in their opening fixture.
The early breakthrough forced Zambia, who had demolished Egypt 6-0 in their first match, onto the offensive as they sought to preserve their perfect start to the competition.
Nigeria’s task, however, became significantly more difficult five minutes before the interval when defender Oluwatosin Demehin was shown a straight red card, leaving the defending champions to battle through the remainder of the contest with 10 players.
The dismissal shifted the momentum in Zambia’s favour, while Rasheedat Ajibade’s booking before half-time added further concern for the nine-time champions, who faced relentless pressure after the restart.
With captain Rachael Kundananji leading Zambia’s attack, the Copper Queens pressed hard in search of an equaliser. Coach Nora Häuptle introduced fresh legs, bringing on Evarine Phiri at the break before adding Evarine Katongo, Chisala Chipasula, Rachel Mupopo and other attacking options as Zambia looked to exploit their numerical advantage.
Madugu responded with tactical adjustments of his own, introducing Sikiratu Oladipo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Halimatu Ayinde and Esther Okoronkwo to reinforce Nigeria’s defensive structure while maintaining a threat on the counterattack.
Despite enjoying long spells of possession and carrying the extra player, Zambia were unable to reproduce the attacking fluency that saw captain Barbra Banda score four goals against Egypt in their opening fixture.
Instead, Nigeria demonstrated the resilience and organisation that have underpinned their record 10 WAFCON titles, dropping deep, protecting central areas and frustrating every Zambian attempt to break through.
The hard-earned victory leaves Group C finely poised. Malawi lead the standings with six points from two matches, while Zambia and Nigeria both have three points, with Zambia occupying second place on goal difference. Egypt remain rooted to the bottom without a point.
Although the Super Falcons still have work to do to secure a place in the knockout stage, Saturday’s victory has revived their campaign and restored belief after the opening-day setback.
It was far from a polished performance, and Demehin’s dismissal will raise concerns over discipline, but Nigeria showed the courage and resilience expected of reigning champions.
After suffering one of the biggest upsets in WAFCON history against Malawi, the Super Falcons responded when it mattered most, surviving with 10 players to keep their quest for an 11th continental title firmly alive.
