WAFCON 2026: Five takeaways from Super Falcons’ 1-0 win over Zambia

The Super Falcons of Nigeria claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Copper Queens of Zambia in their second match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Afrik-Foot reports.

​It was a game Nigeria desperately needed to win following their disappointing 3-2 draw against Malawi last time out.

The Super Falcons delivered: a first-half strike from Asisat Oshoala secured the three points, despite the team playing a woman down for over 50 minutes following Tosin Demehin’s red card.

​With this result, Nigeria must defeat Egypt in their final group game and hope that Zambia drop points against Malawi.

​Following the fixture, several key takeaways emerged from the encounter. Here is a closer look at them.

🎥 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇳🇬 1-0 🇿🇲

A battle settled by a single goal. #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2026 pic.twitter.com/i0OfBkuYt3

— CAF Women Football (@CAFwomen) August 1, 2026

​Oshoala Delivers For Super Falcons

​Coach Madugu’s decision to start Asisat Oshoala was a major talking point, as the former Barcelona striker has faced frequent criticism from sections of Nigerian fans who feel she has lost her spark.

​However, it was her goal—albeit a fortuitous one—that made the difference after 90 minutes.

​Oshoala worked tirelessly throughout the match, chasing down defenders and constantly providing an outlet up front. This performance should serve as a major morale booster moving forward and perhaps get some of her detractors off her back.

​Oladipo Over Imuran

​Coach Madugu initially opted to start Rofiat Imuran at left-back, a decision that almost proved costly.

​Imuran looked shaky, struggling both with and without the ball. It came as no surprise when Madugu hauled her off and introduced Shukurat Oladipo early in the second half.

​Following her introduction, Oladipo locked down the flank and looked exceptionally solid. Her defending was astute, she used the ball efficiently, and she hardly put a foot wrong.

​Banda Caged

​Heading into this fixture, Barbra Banda dominated the pre-match discussions, with many expressing fears over how Nigeria would contain her.

​While she did force the red card challenge from Demehin, that remained her most significant contribution. Banda was well-marshaled whenever she gained possession, and the Nigerian defense successfully kept her quiet for the entire 90 minutes.

​Madugu’s Calls Yield Results

​Following the opening match against Malawi, it was clear that changes were necessary if Nigeria hoped to secure a victory.

​Madugu proved bold enough to make those tough calls, making five changes to his starting XI. This demonstrated a decisive managerial approach unswayed by player reputation.

​Even when Rofiat Imuran struggled, Madugu did not hesitate to replace her early in the second half. While the initial lineup decisions raised eyebrows, the coach’s tactical adjustments ultimately justified themselves on the pitch.

Officiating Has to Improve

For some parts of the game, the officiating was shabby. Referee Aline Umutoni and the VAR team should even hide their heads in shame given how long it took them to confirm a decision for a yellow to Demehin in the first half.

If CAF does on this now, it could come back to haunt them later in this session.