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