Nigeria cling to narrow lead over Zambia after Oshoala strike and Demehin red card

Nigeria take a 1-0 half-time lead into the break against Zambia in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with Asisat Oshoala’s early goal giving the Super Falcons the advantage before defender Oluwatosin Demehin was sent off.

The match began at a frantic pace, and Nigeria needed only eight minutes to find the breakthrough. Oshoala, Nigeria’s leading attacking figure, was in the right position to convert and send the ball into the net, putting her side ahead before Zambia had been able to settle.

The early goal gave the Super Falcons an ideal start, but it also placed pressure on the Copper Queens to respond. Zambia enjoyed a broadly even share of possession during the opening half, yet they were unable to turn that control into a shot on target.

Nigeria’s task became considerably more difficult shortly before half-time when Demehin was shown a straight red card in the 40th minute. Her dismissal left the Super Falcons with 10 players for the remainder of the contest and changed the balance of a match in which they had previously held the lead without being overwhelmed.

Zambia now have a numerical advantage, but the Copper Queens had not managed to make it count before the interval. Nigeria therefore remain in front despite ending the first half a player down.

Oshoala’s finish remains the decisive moment so far. The forward’s eighth-minute strike separated the teams after an energetic opening, while Zambia’s failure to test the Nigerian goal on target left them without a reward for their possession.

The scoreline leaves the second half finely poised. Nigeria must protect their narrow advantage with 10 players, while Zambia have the opportunity to use their extra player to increase the pressure and search for an equaliser. At the break, however, the Copper Queens had yet to exploit Demehin’s dismissal, leaving the outcome entirely open.

The Super Falcons’ priority will be to preserve the lead established by Oshoala, while Zambia must find a way to produce a greater threat in front of goal. With the teams level in possession but separated by one early finish and Nigeria reduced to 10, the second period promises to be an uncertain contest.