A first half strike from Asisat Oshoala saw a 10 woman Super Falcons edge out Zambia 1-0 in their second Group C match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Saturday.

Nigeria needed a response after a shock 3-2 loss to debutants Malawi on matchday one, while Zambia arrived on the back of a resounding 6-0 win over Egypt, with star striker Barbra Banda scoring four in that game.

Head coach Justin Madugu made changes for the match, with Oshoala, Uchenna Kanu, Deborah Abiodun, and Rofiat Imuran all starting. Nigeria had the first real chance in the fifth minute when Oshoala ran onto a long pass, but a heavy touch let the goalkeeper claim the ball. She made amends three minutes later, latching onto a long through ball from Rasheedat Ajibade that struck the goalkeeper and rebounded fortuitously into the net.

Nigeria’s task got harder just before the break, when Tosin Demehin was shown a straight red card, following a VAR review, for bringing down Banda as she raced through on goal. The Super Falcons held their one-goal lead to half time despite the numerical disadvantage.

Zambia made a series of changes after the restart in search of an equaliser, bringing on Evarine Phiri, Evarine Katongo, Chisala Chipasula, and Rachel Mupopo among others to increase attacking pressure. Madugu responded by introducing Sikiratu Oladipo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Halimatu Ayinde, and Esther Okoronkwo as Nigeria worked to protect the lead and manage the physical demands of playing a woman down.

The Super Falcons held on to secure all three points and record their first win of the tournament, moving to three points from two matches and keeping alive their hopes of reaching the quarter finals.