Nigeria kept their Women's Africa Cup of Nations and 2027 World Cup ambitions alive with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia in Group C action at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, overcoming a first-half sending-off to secure a crucial three points.
The result was essential for the Super Falcons, who arrived at Saturday's fixture facing the prospect of an early tournament exit after a stunning 3-2 loss to debutants Malawi in their opening match. This year's Wafcon carries extra significance as a qualifying pathway to next year's World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification and beaten quarter-finalists given a route through inter-confederation play-offs.
Nigeria settled into the contest quickly, taking the lead in the eighth minute through star forward Asisat Oshoala. Her initial effort was parried by Zambian goalkeeper Hazel Nali, but the ball deflected off Oshoala's thigh and crossed the line to hand the ten-time African champions an early advantage.
The defending Wafcon holders were dealt a blow just before halftime when defender Oluwatosin Demehin was dismissed following a VAR intervention. The centre-back had brought down Zambia forward Barbra Banda, and match official Josphine Wanjiku upgraded what was initially a yellow card to a straight red after ruling that Demehin was the last line of defence — a decision made despite television replays suggesting team-mate Rofiat Imuran may have been in a position to cover.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Nigeria managed to see out the remainder of the contest. Zambia struggled to capitalize on their extra player, with Racheal Kundananji's long-range free-kick tipped over the bar by Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie in one of the visitors' better opportunities. Banda, once considered the most expensive female footballer in Africa, was kept largely quiet after the interval. Zambia's best late chance fell to Grace Chanda, whose volley sailed over the crossbar in stoppage time, allowing Nigeria to hold on for the narrow win.
The result keeps alive Nigeria's proud record of qualifying for every Women's World Cup to date, a tournament in which they reached the quarter-finals in 1999 and advanced to the round of 16 in the two most recent editions. Once again, the team leaned heavily on Oshoala, a six-time African Player of the Year, to deliver a decisive contribution.
Following the win, Nigeria sit level with Zambia on three points in Group C, though both nations trail group leaders Malawi, who moved to maximum points after defeating Egypt 3-1 earlier in the day. The group's final round of fixtures on Wednesday will see Nigeria face Egypt, while Zambia take on Malawi in a match that could decide who advances.
Elsewhere in the tournament, host nation Morocco have already secured their spot in the quarter-finals with a game still to play. South Africa, however, find themselves under pressure in Group B after collecting just one point from their first two outings. The 2022 African champions, who have appeared in the last two World Cups, must defeat Burkina Faso in their final group match and hope Ivory Coast beat Tanzania if they are to keep their qualification hopes alive heading into Tuesday's decisive fixtures.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.