Super Falcons Secure Victory Against Copper Queens

In the 14th Women AFCON, Nigeria’s Super Falcons displayed commendable resilience and tactical discipline, defeating Zambia’s Copper Queens 1–0 on Saturday night in Rabat. The victory earned the Super Falcons three points in their group-stage match, even as they played with only ten players for over half of the match. The star forward Asisat Oshoala scored the decisive goal early on, giving Nigeria a well-deserved lead in the 8th minute. Oshoala expertly slotted the ball past the Zambian goalkeeper following a sharp pass received inside the box.

The match took a dramatic turn shortly after Oshoala’s goal. Central defender Tosin Demehin, who had already received a yellow card for a foul on Zambia’s Barbra Banda, was shown a second yellow card in the 40th minute after another heavy challenge, resulting in a red card. This incident left the Super Falcons a player down just before halftime.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, the Super Falcons' head coach, Justin Madugu, made critical tactical adjustments to keep the team's structure intact. In the second half, defender Shukurat Oladipo was brought on to replace debutant Rofiat Imuran. The Super Falcons successfully absorbed persistent pressure from the Copper Queens during the second half while remaining a threat on the counterattack, primarily through Uchenna Kanu and substitute Esther Okoronkwo.

Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and the restructured defensive line held strong against the intense late pressure from Zambia, securing back-to-back victories over the Copper Queens in the continental championship. The Super Falcons are set to face Egypt on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. The Egyptian team will look to secure their first points of the tournament, having lost their opening two matches.