Nigeria 1-0 Zambia; Nigeria maintained their historical dominance over Zambia with a hard-fought 1-0 victory in a fiercely contested Group C encounter at the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s national team, once again proved why they have traditionally held the upper hand against the Copper Queens. Nigeria’s experience showed early as they overwhelmed Zambia in the opening exchanges before defending resolutely to preserve their slender lead.
The match began at a frantic pace, with goalkeeper Hazel Nali producing an early save to deny Asisat Oshoala in the fourth minute. However, there was little she could do three minutes later when Oshoala capitalised on Nigeria’s bright start to fire the Super Falcons into a 1-0 lead.
Nigeria continued to dictate the opening stages, pressing high and limiting Zambia’s attacking options. The Copper Queens relied largely on set pieces from Grace Chanda while Barbra Banda battled tirelessly against Nigeria’s disciplined back line.
As the first half progressed, Zambia gradually settled into the contest, with Banda becoming increasingly influential. Her pace and strength caused problems for defender Oluwatosin Demehin, who was initially cautioned before VAR upgraded the offence to a straight red card in the 39th minute for denying the Zambian captain a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Despite going down to ten players, Nigeria reached the break with their one-goal advantage intact.
The numerical advantage allowed Zambia to enjoy far more possession after the restart. Nora Häuptle’s side controlled spells of the second half, moving the ball and forcing Nigeria into a more defensive approach.
However, it is worth noting that Zambia’s improvement came largely after the Super Falcons were reduced to ten players. Nigeria understandably dropped deeper, choosing to protect their early lead rather than continue their aggressive pressing game that had troubled the Copper Queens in the opening half.
Hazel Nali remained alert to deny another dangerous Nigerian attack before Zambia introduced fresh legs through Mercy Chipasula, Saliya Mwanza and later Kabange Mupopo after Racheal Kundananji was forced off through injury.
The Copper Queens created promising moments but little power. Grace Chanda tested Chiamaka Nnadozie from distance, Barbra Banda forced a crucial block that resulted in a corner, and Zambia spent a of the closing stages camped inside the Nigerian half.
The pressure intensified during the final minutes, with Nigeria defending in numbers as Zambia searched desperately for an equaliser. Despite the late dominance in territory and possession, the Copper Queens struggled to create the clear-cut chance needed to beat a resilient Nigerian.
Ultimately,Asisat Oshoala goal in seventh-minute strike proved decisive as the Super Falcons secured another victory over Zambia, continuing a rivalry in which Nigeria have historically enjoyed the upper hand.
Key Match Moments
- 4′ Hazel Nali denies Asisat Oshoala and later receives treatment.
- 7′ Oshoala gives Nigeria an early 1-0 lead.
- 16′ Rhodah Chileshe booked.
- 23′ Nali saves Christy Ucheibe’s free kick.
- 39′ Oluwatosin Demehin sent off after VAR review for denying Barbra Banda a clear scoring chance.
- 41′ Banda’s penalty appeals waved away.
- 65′ Nali produces another important save.
- 69′ Zambia introduce Saliya Mwanza and Mercy Chipasula.
- 84′-87′ Zambia launch wave after wave of attacks but fail to find the equaliser.
Match Analysis
The result reflected two distinct halves. Nigeria were unquestionably the better side during the opening 40 minutes, pressing aggressively, creating the better opportunities and taking a deserved early lead.
The contest changed after Demehin’s dismissal. Playing with ten women naturally forced Nigeria into a more conservative game plan, allowing Zambia to control possession and attack more frequently. While the Copper Queens deserve credit for their improved second-half performance, the numerical advantage played a significant role in shifting the momentum.
For Nora Häuptle, there are still positives to take. Zambia showed composure, resilience and attacking intent after halftime, but converting possession into goals remains an area for improvement against Africa’s elite sides.
For Nigeria, it was a professional display built on an excellent first-half performance and disciplined defending after the red card. Their ability to withstand sustained pressure underlined why the Super Falcons remain one of the continent’s benchmark teams.
