Defending champions Nigeria kept their 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign alive with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Zambia, recovering from their shock opening defeat by Malawi.
The Super Falcons entered the Group C contest under pressure after losing their first match, but produced a disciplined and determined display to claim their first three points of the tournament.
The result moves Nigeria level on points with Zambia and leaves qualification for the knockout stage finely balanced ahead of the final round of group matches.
Nigeria controlled long periods of possession and created the clearer chances in a closely fought game. Zambia remained a threat on the counterattack, but struggled to find a way through a well-organised Nigerian defence.
The nine-time African champions showed greater defensive resilience than they had in their opening fixture, limiting Zambia’s attacking opportunities and protecting their lead through to the final whistle. Their clean sheet was central to a victory that restores some momentum to their title defence.
Nigeria’s response will be particularly encouraging after the unexpected defeat by Malawi had placed their route to the quarter-finals in jeopardy. Against Zambia, they showed the defensive discipline required to manage a demanding contest while taking advantage of the opportunity that decided the match.
The victory gives the Super Falcons renewed belief as they prepare for their final Group C fixture. Another positive result could be enough to secure a place in the quarter-finals and maintain their bid to retain the continental title.
For Zambia, the defeat leaves their qualification hopes dependent on the final group game. They must now avoid defeat to strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stages.
The outcome sets up a tense conclusion to Group C, with Nigeria and Zambia both level on points and the race for the quarter-finals still open. Nigeria will take confidence from recovering quickly after their opening setback, while Zambia will need to respond in their next match to keep their campaign on course.
The result also underlines the narrow margins in the group, where a single victory has significantly altered the picture after Nigeria’s difficult start. The Super Falcons now have the chance to build on their first win, while Zambia face the challenge of securing the result required to progress.
WAFCON 2026: ‘We are ready to get going’ – Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah.
