Nigeria Players Abroad
WAFCON 2026: CAF praises Asisat Oshoala after Super Falcons edge past Zambia
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has praised Asisat Oshoala after her decisive performance helped the Super Falcons revive their WAFCON 2026 campaign with a 1-0 victory over Zambia.
Oshoala returned to the starting line-up after only appearing as a substitute in Nigeria’s shock defeat by Malawi. She justified her selection by scoring the only goal of a tightly contested match, despite the reigning African champions playing the closing stages with 10 players.
Nigeria were reduced in number when Tosin Demehin was sent off for a foul on Barbra Banda. The dismissal increased the pressure on the Super Falcons, but they held on to claim three important points against the Copper Queens.
Oshoala made the breakthrough in the eighth minute. She raced beyond a Zambia defender to reach a long pass from Rasheedat Ajibade before calmly placing her finish past the goalkeeper.
The goal proved sufficient to secure victory, but Oshoala’s contribution extended beyond the decisive moment. She worked tirelessly and remained a constant threat to the Zambia defence before being substituted.
CAF highlighted the forward’s display on social media after sharing a video of her celebrating the goal. The governing body wrote on X: “Still got it. Still showing it. Energy of the Day today.”
The result gives the Super Falcons renewed hope in the competition after their unexpected loss to Malawi. Nigeria must now defeat Egypt in their final group match on Wednesday if they are to reach the quarter-finals.
Oshoala’s return to the starting line-up provided the reigning African champions with an immediate attacking impact, while Ajibade’s pass created the opening from which the only goal of the game came. Even after Demehin’s dismissal, Nigeria were able to protect their narrow advantage and prevent Zambia from finding an equaliser.
The Super Falcons will therefore go into their final group fixture knowing that victory over Egypt is required to secure progress to the last eight. Their win over Zambia keeps that possibility alive after a difficult start to their campaign.
By James Agberebi
