14th Women AFCON: 10-Woman Super Falcons Earn Victory Against Copper Queens

In the 14th Women AFCON, Nigeria's Super Falcons demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline on Saturday night, defeating the Copper Queens of Zambia 1–0 in a WAFCON group-stage match held in Rabat. Star forward Asisat Oshoala scored the decisive goal early in the game, securing all three points for the ten-time African champions despite playing over half the match with only ten players.

The match started with Nigeria applying early pressure, which paid off in the 8th minute when Oshoala executed a clinical finish from a sharp pass inside the box, calmly netting the ball past the Zambian keeper. This goal gave the defending champions a well-deserved lead.

However, the game took a dramatic turn near the end of the first half. Central defender Tosin Demehin received a yellow card for a challenge on Barbra Banda of Zambia, but this decision was later rescinded after a lengthy Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, revealing an offside in the build-up play. Yet, in the 40th minute, a heated encounter between the two players led to Demehin receiving a second yellow card and a subsequent red card, leaving Nigeria with ten players just before halftime.

Despite being a player down, Head Coach Justin Madugu adjusted tactics effectively to maintain defensive structure. Defender Shukurat Oladipo was substituted in for debutant Rofiat Imuran early in the second half. The Super Falcons faced sustained pressure from the Copper Queens throughout the second half but remained dangerous on the counter-attack, thanks to contributions from Uchenna Kanu and substitute Esther Okoronkwo.

Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and the reorganized defensive line held firm against intense late pressure, ensuring the Super Falcons achieved back-to-back victories over Zambia in the continental championship.

Looking ahead, the Super Falcons are set to face Egypt on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. The Egyptian team approaches the match seeking their first points after suffering defeats in their opening two games.