Nigeria’s Super Falcons breathed new life into their Women’s World Cup qualification campaign after grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia in Rabat on Saturday.
The defending African champions entered the Group C clash under immense pressure following their shock opening defeat to Malawi. Another setback would have left the nine-time African champions facing an early exit and a serious threat to their hopes of reaching the next FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Instead, the Falcons responded with determination and resilience.
Asisat Oshoala proved the difference once again, scoring the only goal of the contest in the eighth minute. The experienced forward reacted quickest after Zambia goalkeeper Hazel Nali saved her initial effort, with the ball bouncing kindly off her thigh and into the net.
The early breakthrough settled Nigeria and appeared to put them in control, but the match took a dramatic turn shortly before halftime.
Centre-back Oluwatosin Demehin was initially shown a yellow card for bringing down Zambia captain Barbra Banda. Following a VAR review, the referee upgraded the punishment to a red card after judging Demehin to be the last defender.
The decision forced the Falcons to play the remainder of the contest with ten players against one of Africa’s most dangerous attacking sides.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Nigeria produced one of their most disciplined defensive displays in recent years.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie remained composed whenever called upon, while the backline restricted clear-cut opportunities for a Zambian attack led by Banda and Racheal Kundananji.
Kundananji came closest to finding an equaliser when her long-range free-kick forced Nnadozie into action, but the Paris FC shot-stopper was equal to the task.
Banda, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most feared forwards, struggled to make her usual impact before eventually being withdrawn in the second half.
Nigeria survived a late scare in stoppage time when Grace Chanda fired over the crossbar from a promising position, allowing the Falcons to secure a crucial three points.
The result transformed the complexion of Group C.
Nigeria moved level with Zambia on three points, while surprise package Malawi remained top after recording another victory earlier in the day.
The Falcons now head into their final group game knowing qualification remains firmly within their control.
Beyond the three points, the victory highlighted the character within the squad. After the disappointment of the opening defeat, many questions were raised about the team’s ability to respond under pressure.
Saturday’s performance provided an emphatic answer.
Playing almost an entire half with ten players against one of the tournament favourites demanded concentration, organisation and leadership. The Falcons delivered all three.
The goal was another reminder of her importance to Nigeria. The six-time African Women’s Player of the Year continues to deliver on the biggest stages and once again stepped up when her country needed her most.
The Super Falcons will now shift their focus to their final group fixture, knowing another positive result could secure a place in the knockout stages and keep their World Cup qualification ambitions alive.
