Reigning champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons have secured their first win at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after edging Zambia 1-0 in a tightly contested encounter in Rabat, Morocco.
Asisat Oshoala scored the decisive goal in the eighth minute, giving Nigeria an early advantage after the team dominated possession in the opening stages of the match.
Nigeria’s hopes of a comfortable victory were threatened before halftime when defender Oluwatoyin Demehin was sent off in the 40th minute following a reckless challenge on Zambia captain Barbra Banda, leaving the Falcons to continue with 10 players.
Despite being reduced to a player short, the Nigerian side showed strong defensive organisation after the break, frustrating the Copper Queens’ attempts to find an equaliser.
Coach’s substitutions, including the introductions of Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Halimatu Ayinde, helped Nigeria maintain their narrow lead until the final whistle.
The victory comes as a major relief for the Falcons, who suffered a disappointing 3-2 defeat to tournament newcomers Malawi in their opening fixture.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to their final group-stage match against Egypt on Wednesday, August 5, as they continue their title defence.