Nigeria Beat Zambia With 10 Players to Stay Alive at WAFCON

Nigeria Beat Zambia Despite Red Card To Keep WAFCON Dream Alive

Nigeria proved why they are champions after beating Zambia 1-0 despite playing most of the match with 10 players to keep their 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations hopes alive.

The Super Falcons got the perfect start in Rabat when Asisat Oshoala scored after just eight minutes. The six-time African Women's Footballer of the Year chased a loose ball after goalkeeper Hazel Nali blocked her first effort. The rebound hit Oshoala's leg and rolled into the net.

Nigeria's task became much harder five minutes before halftime. Defender Blessing Demehin was shown a straight red card after bringing down Zambia captain Barbra Banda, leaving the Falcons to defend with one player fewer.

Zambia pushed hard in the second half, with Banda leading the attack, but Nigeria's defence stayed strong and protected the narrow lead until the final whistle.

The victory keeps Group C wide open. Malawi lead the group with six points after winning their first two matches. Nigeria and Zambia both have three points, while Egypt remain without a point.

Nigeria, who are chasing a record-extending 11th WAFCON title, must now beat Egypt in their final group match to improve their chances of reaching the knockout stage. Zambia face Malawi in a decisive southern African clash that could also decide qualification.

The win also showed the fighting spirit of the Super Falcons. Even with 10 players for more than 50 minutes, they refused to give in against one of Africa's strongest attacking teams.

Nigeria are still alive in the race for another continental crown, but there is no room for mistakes in their final group game.