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The Super Falcons breathed new life into their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a gritty 1-0 victory over Zambia on Saturday, bouncing back from their shock opening defeat to Malawi to reignite hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala proved the difference, scoring the decisive goal in the eighth minute after latching onto a perfectly weighted through ball from captain Rasheedat Ajibade before calmly finishing beyond the Zambian goalkeeper.
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Nigeria’s task became significantly harder after Oluwatosin Demehin was sent off in the first half, but the 10-time African champions produced a disciplined defensive display to hold off Zambia and claim a priceless three points.
PREMIUM TIMES looks at six major takeaways from the crucial victory.
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Madugu’s bold changes deliver immediate response
Following widespread criticism after the 3-2 defeat to Malawi, head coach Justin Madugu reshuffled his starting lineup, making five changes that transformed the team’s performance.
With Veterans, six time CAF women’s best player winner Asisat Oshoala, Christy Ucheibe, and Uchenna Kanu returned to the starting XI alongside defensive midfield lynchpin Deborah Abiodun, and natural left-back Rofiat Imuran, who made her tournament debut, replacing the quartet of Shukurat Oladipo, Florence Ijamilusi, Chiwendu Ihezuo, Halimatu Ayinde and Esther Okoronkwo; the Super Falcons were air-tight in all units.
The coach seemingly listening to the demands of the populace, going for a much direct approach with everyone manning their recognized duty post.
It was a tactical overhaul that paid immediate dividends as Nigeria looked more balanced, aggressive and organised despite being forced to play with 10 players for much of the contest.
VAR proves decisive in dramatic first half
The Video Assistant Referee played a crucial role in two major first-half incidents involving defender Oluwatosin Demehin, who seemed to seemingly get on the wrong side of Barbra Banda in most parts.
Initially, Demehin was booked for bringing down Zambia captain Barbra Banda, but VAR overturned both the yellow card and the resulting free-kick after confirming Banda had been offside before the challenge.
Moments later, however, VAR intervened again after Demehin hauled down Banda as she raced clear on goal. Although the referee initially produced another yellow card, the review upgraded it to a straight red after ruling that Demehin had denied a clear goalscoring opportunity as the last defender.
It was a decision that fans of the Super Falcons would have felt hard done by with. But, it was also the right decision as Demehin’s inexperience against such an experienced striker was brought to the fore, as she was constantly exposed by the although experienced but tired legs of Ohale, and lack of support from her in key phases of play involving the Zambian ace.
Credit: CAF Women on X
Banda tested Nigeria but Falcons stood firm
Barbra Banda once again demonstrated why she is regarded as one of Africa’s most dangerous forwards.
The Zambia captain caused constant problems with her pace, strength and movement, repeatedly stretching Nigeria’s backline and forcing defenders into desperate interventions.
Her blistering run ultimately led to Demehin’s dismissal, but despite Banda’s influence throughout the contest, the Super Falcons defended resolutely till the end.
The much experienced Ucheibe’s drop to the central defense from midfield in Demehin’s absence to partner Ohale, changed the trajectory; with the Benfica stalwart’s experience silencing the 2024 African Women’s footballer of the year, and keeping her off the scoresheet, to preserve a priceless clean sheet.
Egypt clash to come without two key players
Nigeria’s victory came at a cost, as influential midfielder Jennifer Echegini picked up a yellow card during the second half, ruling the Paris Saint-Germain ace out of the final Group C clash against Egypt through suspension.
Demehin will also miss the encounter after her first-half red card while attempting to stop Banda’s dangerous run.
The suspensions present Justin Madugu with fresh selection headaches on how to fill the gaping holes that’ll be left in their absences, ahead of a decisive final group fixture.
Credit: CAF women on X
Oshoala silences critics with vintage display
Under pressure following calls for her to step aside from international football, ex-Balon d’Or nominee Asisat Oshoala delivered the perfect response.
The former Barcelona and Arsenal women striker rolled back the years with an energetic, intelligent and clinical performance, scoring the game’s only goal to justify Madugu’s decision to restore her to the starting lineup.
Beyond the goal, Oshoala’s fear factor, movement, work rate and leadership troubled the Zambian defence throughout the evening, reminding everyone why she remains one of the continent’s greatest-ever forwards.
ALSO READ: WAFCON 2026: Oshoala’s early strike earns Super Falcons crucial win over Zambia
Her match-winning display could prove to be the turning point in Nigeria’s WAFCON campaign as the Super Falcons head into their final group game with renewed belief and qualification firmly back within their grasp.
Nothing is impossible for the Super Falcons at WAFCON
If there was one message Nigeria’s victory over Zambia sent to the rest of the continent, it is that the Super Falcons should never be written off.
Just four days after suffering one of the most painful defeats in the nation’s WAFCON history against debutants Malawi, the 10-time African champions responded with the kind of resilience that has defined their legacy for decades. Reduced to 10 players for more than half of the contest after Oluwatosin Demehin’s dismissal, the Falcons refused to surrender, instead producing a disciplined, courageous and tactically mature display to secure a priceless victory over one of the tournament favourites.
The result also reinforced why Nigeria remain the benchmark in African women’s football. Championship-winning teams are not defined by how they celebrate victories, but by how they respond to adversity. Faced with criticism, mounting pressure and the genuine possibility of a group-stage exit, Justin Madugu’s side rediscovered the fighting spirit that has delivered a record 10 continental titles.
Beyond keeping their quarter-final hopes alive, the performance restored belief within the squad and among millions of Nigerian supporters. With Egypt still to come and the knockout rounds looming, the Super Falcons have reminded everyone that experience, resilience and an unwavering winning mentality can still outweigh setbacks.
If they can overcome one of Africa’s most dangerous attacking sides with 10 players, there is every reason to believe this team still has what it takes to challenge for an unprecedented 11th WAFCON crown. The Zambia victory may ultimately be remembered not just as three vital points, but as the moment Nigeria’s title defence truly came to life.
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