Oshoala Revives Nigeria's Wafcon and World Cup Hopes

Nigeria revived their hopes of reaching the 2027 Women's World Cup with a nervy 1-0 win over Zambia at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, despite having a player sent off late in the first half. The victory keeps the Super Falcons alive in Group C after a shock opening defeat.

Tournament Stakes

This edition of the continental tournament in Morocco doubles as a qualifier for next year's global showpiece. All four Wafcon semi-finalists will book a ticket to Brazil, while the losing quarter-finalists will have a chance to enter inter-confederation play-offs.

Match Recap

Nigeria headed into Saturday's Group C clash with the Copper Queens on the brink of an early exit after falling to a surprise 3-2 defeat against debutants Malawi in their opener on Tuesday. The West Africans made a good start when forward Asisat Oshoala put them ahead in the eighth minute, the ball bobbling in off her right thigh after her initial attempt was saved by Zambia goalkeeper Hazel Nali.

But the 10-time Wafcon winners and defending champions had Oluwatosin Demehin sent off five minutes before the break at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat following a video assistant referee review. The centre-back had hauled down Zambia striker Barbra Banda, and referee Josphine Wanjiku upgraded her initial yellow card after deciding Demehin was the last defender – even though replays showed Nigeria team-mate Rofiat Imuran appeared to be in a covering position.

Zambia failed to make their numerical advantage pay, although Racheal Kundananji threatened when her long-range free-kick was tipped behind by Nigeria keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Banda, once Africa's most expensive female player, was subdued after the break, and Nigeria survived a late scare when Grace Chanda volleyed high over the bar deep in stoppage time.

Group C Standings

Nigeria move level with Zambia on three points in Group C, with both sides trailing surprise package Malawi, who have maximum points after beating Egypt 3-1 earlier on Saturday. The Super Falcons face Egypt, and Zambia take on Malawi in the final round of group matches on Wednesday.

Other Results and Implications

Elsewhere at Wafcon 2026, hosts Morocco have already booked their place in the last eight with a game to spare, but South Africa are in danger of missing the Women's World Cup after picking up just one point from their opening two matches in Group B. The 2022 Wafcon champions, who have featured in the past two editions of the World Cup, must beat Burkina Faso and hope Ivory Coast defeat Tanzania in the final group matches on Tuesday to survive.

The Super Falcons have been ever-presents at the Women's World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals in 1999 and progressing to the last 16 at the past two editions. They are once again indebted to six-time African player of the year Oshoala, whose early goal proved decisive.