Asisat Oshoala’s eighth-minute strike proved decisive as 10-woman Nigeria Super Falcons held on for a vital victory over the Copper Queens of Zambia in their second Group C game of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Facing the prospect of elimination from the tournament should they lose, following their shock opening defeat to Malawi, head coach Justine Madugu made five changes to his previous starting lineup. Rofiat Imuran was handed her WAFCON debut, while Deborah Abiodun and Christy Ucheibe got the nod in midfield alongside Asisat Oshoala and Uchenna Kanu in attack.

As it turned out, the decision to start Oshoala proved decisive. The six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year looked lively from the start before eventually making it count in the eighth minute, beating the Zambian defenders to captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s lofted pass before striking past the goalkeeper.

It was a dominant display from the Super Falcons until defender Tosin Demehin’s clumsy challenge earned her a straight red card for denying Barbra Banda a clear goalscoring opportunity in the 40th minute. Interestingly, a lengthy VAR review had, a few minutes earlier, overturned an initial yellow card shown to the defender for a similar challenge.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Nigeria held on for the remainder of the match to secure all three points. The victory leaves the Super Falcons with a chance of progressing from the group, provided they defeat Egypt convincingly in their final Group C match on Wednesday.