Nigeria revived their hopes of reaching the 2027 Women’s World Cup with a nervy 1-0 win over Zambia at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, despite having a player sent off late in the first half.
This edition of the continental tournament in Morocco doubles up as a qualifier for next year’s global showpiece, with all four Wafcon semi-finalists booking a ticket to Brazil and the losing quarter-finalists having a chance to enter inter-confederation play-offs.
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Nigeria headed into Saturday’s Group C clash with the Copper Queens on the brink of an early exit after falling to a shock 3-2 defeat against debutants Malawi in their opener on Tuesday.
The West Africans made a good start when forward Asisat Oshoala put them ahead in the eighth minute when the ball bobbled in off her right thigh after her initial attempt was saved by Zambia goalkeeper Hazel Nali.
But the 10-time Wafcon winners and defending champions had Oluwatosin Demehin sent off five minutes before the break at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat following a video assistant referee review.
The centre-back had hauled down Zambia striker Barbra Banda, and referee Josphine Wanjiku upgraded her initial yellow card after deciding Demehin was the last defender – even though replays showed Nigeria team-mate Rofiat Imuran appeared to be in a covering position.
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Zambia failed to made their numerical advantage pay, although Racheal Kundananji threatened when her long-range free-kick was tipped behind by Nigeria keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Banda, once Africa’s most expensive female player, was subdued after the break and Nigeria survived a late scare when Grace Chanda volleyed high over the bar deep in stoppage time.
The Super Falcons have been ever-presents at the Women’s World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals in 1999 and progressing to the last 16 at the past two editions, and are once again indebted to six-time African player of the year Oshoala.
Nigeria move level with Zambia on three points in Group C with both sides trailing surprise package Malawi, who have maximum points after beating Egypt 3-1 earlier on Saturday.
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The Super Falcons face Egypt and Zambia take on Malawi in the final round of group matches on Wednesday.
Elsewhere at Wafcon 2026, hosts Morocco have already booked their place in the last eight with a game to spare but South Africa are in danger of missing the Women’s World Cup after picking up just one point from their opening two matches in Group B.
The 2022 Wafcon champions, who have featured in the past two editions of the World Cup, must beat Burkina Faso and hope Ivory Coast defeat Tanzania in the final group matches on Tuesday to survive.
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