TEN-WOMAN SUPER FALCONS EDGE OUT ZAMBIA 1--0 AS OSHOALA , ALOZIE KEEP TITLE HOPES ALIVE

 By Olopade Sakiru 

The Super Falcons dug deep, showed character under pressure, and claimed a vital 1-0 win over Zambia to keep their title defence and 2027 Women’s World Cup qualification hopes alive.

Just eight minutes in the first half, Rasheedat Ajibade sent a long ball forward. Asisat Oshoala’s pace took her clear of the Zambian defence. 

Goalkeeper Hazel Nali blocked the first shot, but the rebound fell kindly and Oshoala finished to give Nigeria the lead. 

It was her 15th career WAFCON goal.

Nigeria’s task grew much harder in the 40th minute. Defender Oluwatosin  Demehin was shown a straight red card after a foul on Zambia captain Barbra Banda, confirmed by VAR. 

The Super Falcons played the rest of the match with ten players.The Fight

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Nigeria stayed organised and disciplined. 

Zambia pushed hard, with efforts from Racheal Kundananji and a late chance for Grace Chanda that flew over, but Chiamaka Nnadozie and the defence held firm. The Copper Queens could not find a way through.

Michelle Alozie earned the TotalEnergies Woman of the Match award. The 29-year-old defender was outstanding throughout, especially after the red card, shutting down Zambia’s attacks and giving the side the stability it needed to protect the lead.

The second half turned into a pure test of nerve and organisation. With one player short, Nigeria sat deeper and relied on quick counters when the opportunity arose, while Zambia controlled more of the ball but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a compact back line. 

Alozie’s positioning and timely interventions repeatedly frustrated Barbra Banda, who had been so clinical in Zambia’s earlier 6-0 win over Egypt. 

Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie also made important contributions, including a sharp tip-over from a long-range free-kick, ensuring the slender lead survived until the final whistle.

Attention now turns to Wednesday’s final Group C fixture against Egypt. A victory would almost certainly secure Nigeria’s place in the quarter-finals and keep both their record-extending title ambitions and World Cup qualification path firmly on track. 

For Zambia, the defeat ends their perfect start and leaves them needing a result against group leaders Malawi to stay in contention. 

The Super Falcons have bought themselves another chance—now they must seize it.