Nigeria reignited their defence of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a determined 1-0 victory over Zambia women’s national football team in Rabat on Saturday night, despite playing much of the match with 10 players.
Asisat Oshoala scored the decisive goal in the eighth minute at Al Madina Stadium as the Nigeria women’s national football team bounced back from their opening defeat to Malawi with a resilient display.
The defending champions suffered a major setback before halftime when defender Oluwatosin Demehin was shown a red card in the 40th minute, forcing Nigeria to play the remainder of the contest with a numerical disadvantage.
Zambia dominated possession and pressed for an equaliser after the restart, but the Super Falcons produced a disciplined defensive performance to preserve their slender lead and secure all three points.
The victory significantly boosts Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the quarter-finals after Malawi women’s national football team defeated Egypt 3-1 earlier on Saturday, a result that had increased the pressure on the nine-time African champions.
With the win, Nigeria remains firmly in contention for a place in the knockout stage as the Super Falcons continue their quest to retain the continental title.
