Asisat Oshoala’s early strike proves decisive as Nigeria secures a crucial three points in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations group stage.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons recorded a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Zambia in their second Group C fixture of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with Asisat Oshoala scoring the match-winning goal.
The nine-time African champions entered the encounter needing a positive result after their opening group performance left little room for error. Earlier in the day, Malawi defeated Egypt 3-1, making the clash against Zambia particularly significant for Nigeria’s hopes of progressing in the competition.
Oshoala broke the deadlock in the eighth minute after reacting quickest inside the penalty area. Her first effort was stopped by the goalkeeper, but the rebound fell kindly to the Nigerian striker, who calmly converted at the second attempt to give the Super Falcons an early advantage.
Nigeria protected that lead for the remainder of the contest, producing a disciplined defensive display to deny Zambia clear scoring opportunities and secure all three points.
The victory provided a timely boost for the Super Falcons as they continued their campaign in pursuit of another WAFCON title and kept their qualification ambitions firmly on track.