Sports Top Story

WAFCON: 10-Woman Super Falcons Edge Zambia to Revive Title Hopes

"The victory, secured against a Zambia side that had earlier thrashed Egypt, restored belief and moved the Super Falcons back into contention for a place in the knockout stage"

Per Second NewsAugust 2, 20261 Mins read822

By Samuel Akpan in Rabat

Nigeria’s Super Falcons dug deep into their champion spirit on Saturday, grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 win over Zambia in Rabat, Morocco, in the ongoing WAFCON despite playing more than half the match with only 10 players.

PerSecondNews correspondent covering the tournament reports that Asisat Oshoala’s early goal sealed a hard-fought victory at Al Madina Stadium, reviving the Super Falcons’ WAFCON title defense after a sluggish start against Malawi.

By overcoming a formidable Zambian side that had just dismantled Egypt, Nigeria restored momentum and placed themselves back in prime position for the knockout stage.

With Malawi having beaten Egypt 3-1 earlier in the day, Nigeria knew another loss would have left their campaign hanging by a thread.

Instead, they delivered the response expected of the African champions.

In a post-match interview, Coach Justine Madugu hailed the result as a crucial turning point: “This was a very important game, we know that without a win progression from the group stage will be difficult.

“This victory has set us up for the game against Egypt, a win against them will send us to the quarter-finals.”

Madugu also appealed for continued national support, adding: “We call on Nigeria to continue to rally around the girls, the team is aware what victory means to Nigeria so we are not taking any team for granted.”

The match had begun brightly for the Super Falcons as Oshoala settled early nerves by finding the net in the eighth minute, giving Nigeria a lead they would never surrender.

However, the task grew significantly harder in the 40th minute when defender Oluwatosin Demehin was shown a red card, forcing the side to play the remaining time with a numerical disadvantage.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade also picked up a booking before half-time, further testing the team’s resolve.

Momentum briefly swung towards Zambia, yet the Super Falcons fell back on their vast tournament experience.

They maintained a solid defensive shape, closed down central spaces and limited the Copper Queens’ attacking threats, producing the kind of resilient display that has long defined one of Africa’s most successful women’s national teams.

PerSecondNews reports that the three points not only revived their quarter-final hopes but also boosted confidence ahead of the decisive final group match against Egypt.