Nigeria kept their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign alive on Saturday night, battling to a 1-0 win over Zambia in Rabat despite spending most of the contest with only 10 players.
Asisat Oshoala provided the breakthrough in the eighth minute at Al Madina Stadium, giving the Super Falcons a vital response to their unexpected 3-2 loss to Malawi in their opening Group C fixture. Nigeria’s display was defined by organisation, determination and a prolonged defensive effort.
The champions had to defend their narrow advantage for more than 50 minutes after Oluwatosin Demehin received a red card in the 40th minute. Zambia increased the pressure following the interval, searching for a way back into the match, but Nigeria resisted to secure three important points.
The victory revived Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the quarter-finals, although Malawi’s 3-1 success against Egypt earlier on Saturday had increased the pressure on the defending champions. They had entered the match aware that another defeat could have left their tournament prospects in serious jeopardy.
That urgency was heightened by Malawi’s shock victory in the opening round. Nigeria therefore needed an immediate reaction against Zambia, who had begun the competition in emphatic fashion with a 6-0 triumph over Egypt.
Oshoala’s early finish delivered precisely the start Nigeria required and eased some of the tension surrounding Justine Madugu’s team. It also changed the task for Zambia, who had been hoping to strengthen their position in the knockout-stage race with another win but were instead forced to pursue the game almost from the outset.
