Nigeria kept their Women’s World Cup qualification hopes alive with a hard-fought win over Zambia in Group C of Wafcon 2026, the continental tournament in Morocco that doubles as a qualifier for next year’s global showpiece in Brazil. All four semi-finalists will secure their place at the World Cup, while losing quarter-finalists will have the chance to enter inter-confederation play-offs.
The Super Falcons arrived at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat desperately needing a result after a shock 3-2 opening defeat to debutants Malawi. Asisat Oshoala gave them the perfect start, putting Nigeria ahead in the eighth minute when the ball bobbled in off her right thigh after Zambia goalkeeper Hazel Nali had saved her initial effort. The 10-time Wafcon winners and defending champions were then reduced to ten when centre-back Oluwatosin Demehin was sent off five minutes before half-time following a VAR review. Referee Josphine Wanjiku upgraded her initial yellow card after ruling Demehin was the last defender, despite replays suggesting Nigeria team-mate Rofiat Imuran appeared to be in a covering position. The decision came after Demehin had hauled down Zambia striker Barbra Banda.
Zambia failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage, though Racheal Kundananji threatened with a long-range free-kick that was tipped behind by Nigeria goalkeeper 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 result moves Nigeria level with Zambia on three points in Group C, with both sides trailing Malawi, who top the group with maximum points after also beating Egypt 3-1 on Saturday. The Super Falcons, who have been ever-presents at the Women’s World Cup and reached the quarter-finals in 1999 before progressing to the last 16 at the past two editions, once again owed much to six-time African player of the year Oshoala. Nigeria face Egypt in their final group game on Wednesday, while Zambia take on Malawi.
Elsewhere at Wafcon 2026, hosts Morocco have already secured their place in the quarter-finals with a game to spare. South Africa, however, are in serious danger of missing the Women’s World Cup after collecting just one point from their opening two matches in Group B. The 2022 Wafcon champions, who featured at the past two World Cups, must beat Burkina Faso on Tuesday and hope Ivory Coast defeat Tanzania to advance.
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
