WAFCON 2026: Oshoala Solitary Strike Secures Three Points For Falcons

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria came down from their initial 3-2 loss to Malawi to defeat Zambia by a lone goal at the Al Madina Stadium, Rabat, Morocco.

Asisat Oshoala 8 minute strike secured a hard fought victory for the Super Falcons.

Coach Justin Madugu included five new changes into The squad to face the Copper Queens which includes, Uchenna Kanu, Oshoala, Deborah Abiodun, Christy Ucheibe and Rofiat Imuran.

Nigeria started off the game by dominating possession and could while stamping their control of the game against the aggressive Zambians.

Skipper, Rasheedat Ajibade was the architect of the first goal for the Falcons as she sent it a long ball over the defense of the Copper Queens which Oshoala raced through on goal to find the back the net and gave Nigeria an early lead.

Towards the end of the first half, defender Tosin Demehin was sent off as she brought down Copper Queens star forward, Barbra Banda.

The Falcons took the lead to the break to ease their nerves following an hectic first 45 minutes.

Coming into the second half, the Falcons sat back to absorb pressure from Zambia while cutting off their pass to their attacking clique.

Introduction of Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo for Oshoala and Kanu provided fresh legs for the Madugu tutored side.

Falcons were able to grind out a slim win against the Copper Queens as they put behind the loss in their first group game.

Nigeria will face Egypt in a must win last group game as they races in time for the World Cup qualification.