Nigeria kept their Women’s World Cup qualification hopes alive with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Zambia in Group C at Wafcon 2025 in Morocco, where all four semi-finalists will secure a place at next year’s tournament in Brazil. The result came just days after the Super Falcons suffered a shock 3-2 opening defeat to debutants Malawi, leaving them on the brink of an early exit heading into Saturday’s clash.
Asisat Oshoala gave Nigeria the lead in the eighth minute when the ball bobbled in off her right thigh after her initial effort was saved by Zambia goalkeeper Hazel Nali. The six-time African women’s player of the year proved the difference for a side that has been ever-present at the Women’s World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals in 1999 and progressing to the last 16 at the past two editions.
Nigeria’s afternoon was made significantly more difficult when centre-back Oluwatosin Demehin was sent off five minutes before half-time at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat. Referee Josphine Wanjiku upgraded her initial yellow card following a VAR review, ruling Demehin had hauled down Zambia striker Barbra Banda as the last defender — though replays suggested Nigeria’s Rofiat Imuran appeared to be in a covering position.
Playing with 10 women, Nigeria held firm against a Zambia side that failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage. Racheal Kundananji threatened with a long-range free-kick that was tipped behind by keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, while Banda — once Africa’s most expensive female player — was largely subdued after the break. 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 behind Malawi, who top the group with maximum points after beating Egypt 3-1 earlier on Saturday. Nigeria face Egypt and Zambia take on Malawi in the final round of group matches on Wednesday. Elsewhere, hosts Morocco have already secured a quarter-final place, while 2022 Wafcon champions South Africa — who have featured in the past two World Cups — are in danger of elimination after collecting just one point from their opening two Group B matches.
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
