Nigeria 1-0 Zambia: Asisat Oshoala’s early strike keeps WAFCON 2026 hopes alive

Asisat Oshoala's 8th-minute strike against Zambia made all the difference at Stade El-Barid in Morocco as the Super Falcons kept their hopes of reaching the WAFCON 2026 knockout round alive, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria 1-0 Zambia: Oshoala comes up trumps

The Green and Whites headed into today's clash on the back of a shocking loss to Malawi in the Group C opener, while Zambia cruised to a 6-0 win over Egypt.

Justine Madugu made four changes to the side that started against Malawi, bringing in Uchenna Kanu, Asisat Oshoala, Deborah Abiodun and Christy Ucheibe.

That decision paid off just minutes into the game as Oshoala came close to breaking the deadlock after a pass from Jennifer Echegini sent her through on goal, but she pushed the ball way too forward.

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The move repeated itself in the 8th minute, and the Al-Hilal Women's striker put the ball into the back of the net after it ricocheted off Zambia's goalkeeper Hazel Neli.

Asisat Oshoala's opener for Nigeria against Zambia 👏 pic.twitter.com/MhBOgP1UVZ

— Leagues Reporter (@LeaguesReporter) August 1, 2026

The big talking point: Demehin's controversial red card

Nigeria's night took a wrong turn in the 40th minute after Centre-back Oluwatosin Demehin was sent off for a shove on Zambia's Barbra Banda. A VAR Check initially kicked off in the 34th minute after it appeared the Galatasaray defender stood in Banda's way.

There’s absolutely no way the referee is giving Demehin a red card for this. No way.. pic.twitter.com/elJxe3MjBd

— Ojora Babatunde (@ojbsports) August 1, 2026

A few minutes later, Kenyan referee Josephine Wanjiku walked to the screen to review the incident and, after making her decision, gave Demehin her marching orders.

With the Super Falcons down to ten men, the midfield battle became a scrappy affair as they disrupted Zambia's flow.

Coach Justine Madugu brought on Shukurat Oladipo in the 50th minute, before following up by bringing on Halimatu Ayinde and Chiwendu Ihezuo, taking off Asisat Oshoala, Rofiat Imuran and Deborah Abiodun as the record Champions held on to their slender lead.

Esther Okoronkwo replaced Uchenna Kanu with ten minutes left on the clock as Zambia began to throw numbers forward.

Zambia had their final chance on a counterattack in the 92nd minute, but Kundananji's cross missed Banda's hair by a whisker, giving Nnadozie room to breathe again before the referee blew the final whistle three minutes later.

FULL-TIME! 🇳🇬🇿🇲

A narrow win, but a valuable three points for Nigeria. ✅#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2026 pic.twitter.com/w499Ve9aTp

— CAF Women Football (@CAFwomen) August 1, 2026

The bigger picture: Egypt next for the Super Falcons

After falling to the theatrics of the Chawinga sisters, Justine Madugu's side secured their first three points of the WAFCON 2026 against the Copper Queens.

With Malawi already top of the group with six points, Nigeria's next game against Egypt is a must-win, as a draw might see Zambia climb above the Super Falcons in Group C on goal difference.

Also, they'll be without Jennifer Echegini and Demehin for their final group game. There's good news for Nigeria, though.

Egypt have a very porous defence, as they've conceded nine goals, while their attack hasn't been of much help either, scoring one goal in two games. They have no chance of going through, which could make them very motivated to drag the 10-time African Champions with them.