Nigeria claim first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations win after Oshoala strikes early

Nigeria secured their first victory of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations by beating Zambia, despite playing for about 50 minutes with 10 players.

Asisat Oshoala gave Nigeria the lead in the eighth minute, finishing from a well-positioned position to put her side ahead with the match still in its early stages.

The goal immediately placed Zambia under pressure to respond, but the Copper Queens were unable to turn their possession into a shot on target. The game remained evenly balanced in terms of possession, yet Nigeria’s early advantage stood until half-time.

Nigeria’s task became significantly more difficult shortly before the interval when defender Oluwatosin Demehin was shown a straight red card in the 40th minute.

That dismissal left the Nigerians with only 10 players for the remainder of the contest. Zambia therefore had the numerical advantage for the final 50 minutes, including the whole of the second half, but could not find a way through.

The Copper Queens continued to struggle to create a shot on target even after Nigeria went down to 10. Despite their extra player and the pressure that followed Demehin’s dismissal, Zambia failed to make their superiority count.

Nigeria defended their lead to complete a narrow victory and begin their campaign with three points. Oshoala’s eighth-minute goal proved decisive after Zambia were unable to produce the finish required to rescue a result.

The result gives Nigeria their first win of the tournament, while Zambia will be left to reflect on a match in which they had a lengthy numerical advantage but could not capitalise on it.

For Nigeria, the victory was earned in demanding circumstances. They started strongly through Oshoala’s early strike, then spent the final stages protecting that advantage after Demehin’s sending-off. Zambia’s inability to register a shot on target ultimately allowed the Nigerians to hold on.

The match was shaped by two key moments: Oshoala’s quick opening goal and Demehin’s dismissal. The first established Nigeria’s lead; the second appeared to offer Zambia a route back into the game. However, the Copper Queens could not take advantage, and Nigeria finished with their first success of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.