Nigeria revived their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title defence with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia in Rabat, despite playing most of the match with 10 women on Saturday night.
Asisat Oshoala scored the decisive goal in the eighth minute at Al Madina Stadium as the Super Falcons responded to their shock opening defeat by Malawi with a performance built on discipline, resilience and survival.
Nigeria were forced to protect their lead for more than half the match after Oluwatosin Demehin was sent off in the 40th minute.
Zambia pushed for an equaliser after the break, but the defending champions held firm to claim three crucial points in Group C.
The result keeps Nigeria’s quarter-final hopes alive after Malawi’s 3-1 victory over Egypt earlier in the day left the champions under even greater pressure.
Nigeria went into the match knowing defeat could leave their campaign in serious danger.
The Super Falcons had been stunned 3-2 by debutants Malawi in their opening game and needed a response against a Zambia side that had started with a 6-0 win over Egypt.
That response came early.
Oshoala struck in the eighth minute to give Nigeria the lead and settle some of the nerves around Justine Madugu’s side.
The goal was exactly what Nigeria needed in a match they could not afford to lose.
It also forced Zambia, who had hoped to take a major step towards the knockout stage with another win, to chase the game from an early stage.
Nigeria’s task became much harder five minutes before half-time when Demehin was shown a red card.
The dismissal changed the balance of the match and gave Zambia extra encouragement going into the second half.
Rasheedat Ajibade was also booked before the break, adding to the sense of pressure around the Super Falcons.
Zambia, with captain Rachael Kundananji and their dangerous attacking players, had the quality to punish any lack of organisation.
But Nigeria showed the experience that has made them 10-time African champions.
They dropped deeper, protected central spaces and worked hard to deny Zambia clear chances.
Zambia made changes after the break as they searched for a way back into the match.
Prisca Chilese was replaced by Evarine Phiri at half-time, while Ireen Lungu made way for Evarine Katongo in the 63rd minute.
Further changes followed, with players including Chisala Chipasula, Rachel Mupopo and others introduced as Zambia tried to increase attacking pressure.
Madugu brought on Sikiratu Oladipo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Halimatu Ayinde and Esther Okoronkwo as the Super Falcons looked to protect their lead and manage the physical demands of playing with 10 women.
Zambia had come into the match full of confidence after Barbra Banda’s four-goal display against Egypt, but they could not find the cutting edge that had defined their opening performance.
The victory moves Nigeria to three points from two matches and keeps them in the race for the quarter-finals.
After the earlier result, Malawi lead Group C with six points, Zambia remain second with three points, Nigeria are third with three, while Egypt are bottom without a point.
The standings mean Nigeria still have work to do, but this win has given them a route back into the tournament.
It was not a fluent performance, and the red card will raise questions about discipline, but the Super Falcons showed character when their campaign was on the line.
For Zambia, the defeat is a setback after their strong start, but they remain well placed in the group.
The champions were wounded after the Malawi defeat, reduced to 10 players before half-time, and still found a way to win.
Nigeria’s WAFCON defence is alive again.
