- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigerian women’s national team, Super Falcons, have elimination scare with a narrow 1-0 win to keep their title defence hope alive at the ongoing 2026 Women African Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Coming off a shocking 3-2 defeat against Malawi in their opening match, the Super Falcons took on the Copper Queens who ran 6-nil riot in their first game against Egypt.
The defending champions appeared unfazed with high-flying Zambians as they approached the must-win game with intensity.
This paid off for the Super Falcons who found he opener barely 10 minutes into the game.
Former African best female footballer of the year, Asisat Oshoala, gave the Justin Madugu-led side an early lead in the 8th minute.
The relief would not last long as concerns grew after defender, Oluwatosin Demehin, fouled Zambia’s talisman, Barbra Banda, in a last-man standing situation in the 31st minute.
A lengthy VAR check would follow over possible red card.
Fortunately, Demehin escaped after the VAR found Barbara offside in the build-up of the play.
Barely six minutes after the escape Demehin would again be caught in another red card offense after tugging Barbra in the build-up of goal scoring opportunity by Zambia.
The Super Falcons defended was not lucky this time as she was shown a straight red card, reducing Nigeria to 10 women before half-time whistle.
Despite the deficit, the Super Falcons maintained the lead till the end of halftime.
The 10 times WAFCON champions returned for the second-half to defend their narrow 1-0 lead.
They neutralised all Zambia’s attacking threats while also managing to dictate the game and creating goalscoring opportunites.
Zambia were unable to break through the defense of the 10-woman Super Falcons all through the final 45 minutes as the game ended 1-0 in favour of Nigeria.
With three points now in the pocket, the Super Falcons will hope.to seal their spot in the knockout stage with a win against Egypt in the last group stage match.