Asisat Oshoala scored early and Nigeria defended with 10 players for more than 50 minutes as the Super Falcons beat Zambia 1-0 in Rabat on Saturday night.
Nigeria needed a response after Malawi defeated the Falcons in their opening Group C match. Oshoala supplied it in the eighth minute when she collected a pass inside the box and placed her finish beyond the Zambian goalkeeper.
Zambia then increased its attacking pressure, but Nigeria kept the lead into the closing stages of the first half.
Tosin Demehin’s dismissal changed the game in the 40th minute. The defender had earlier received a yellow card, but officials overturned the booking after a VAR review ruled Barbra Banda offside in the build-up.
A second incident involving Demehin and Banda followed soon afterwards. This time, the referee sent off the Nigerian defender, leaving the Falcons with 10 players.
Justin Madugu adjusted his defence at half-time by replacing debutant Rofiat Imuran with Shukurat Oladipo.
Zambia used its numerical advantage to control possession after the break and spent long periods around the Nigerian penalty area. Nigeria, however, limited the clear opportunities and tried to attack whenever the Copper Queens left space behind their defence.
Uchenna Kanu carried much of Nigeria’s threat on the counter, while Esther Okoronkwo entered the match as a substitute to provide another attacking option.
Chiamaka Nnadozie also played an important role as Zambia searched for an equaliser. The goalkeeper made key saves and helped Nigeria protect its lead during the final stages.
The final whistle confirmed Nigeria’s 1-0 victory and handed the Falcons three points from their second Group C match.
The result also gave Nigeria a second successive WAFCON victory over Zambia after their previous meeting in the competition.
Nigeria now face Egypt on Wednesday, August 5, in their final Group C match. The Falcons need another strong result to improve their chances of reaching the quarter-finals and continuing their pursuit of an 11th WAFCON title.
