WAFCON 2026: Asisat Oshoala fires Nigeria past Zambia

Asisat Oshoala powered Nigeria to a vital 1-0 win over Zambia, scoring early to rescue the Super Falcons’ WAFCON 2026 campaign.

The defending champions earned their first points of the tournament despite playing more than 50 minutes with 10 women.

Nigeria needed a response after their opening loss to Malawi, and Oshoala delivered in the eighth minute with the kind of finish that settled nerves and changed the mood around the team. The goal gave the Falcons a platform, but the match became far harder in the 40th minute when Blessing Demehin was sent off.

From there, Nigeria had to dig in. Zambia pushed hard after the break and enjoyed more of the ball, yet Chiamaka Nnadozie and the back line stayed disciplined under pressure. Coach Justin Madugu also used his bench well, bringing on fresh legs to help protect the lead.

The result keeps Nigeria in the fight for a knockout-stage place and restores belief after a shaky start. Zambia, meanwhile, were left frustrated after failing to make their numerical advantage count.

Nigeria and Zambia shared possession 50-50; Zambia had eight total shots while Nigeria had seven, and Nigeria had three shots on target while Zambia had two.

Nigeria will play Egypt on August 5th, while Zambia will take on Malawi on the same day.