Oshoala revives Nigeria's Wafcon and World Cup bid

The Zambian national women's football team, affectionately known as the Copper Queens, faced a significant setback in their quest for 2027 Women's World Cup qualification, succumbing to a narrow 1-0 defeat against continental giants Nigeria's Super Falcons at the ongoing Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 in Rabat, Morocco. The decisive goal came early in the match, courtesy of Nigerian star striker Asisat Oshoala, which ultimately proved to be the difference between the two formidable sides. Despite the Super Falcons being reduced to ten players late in the first half following a red card incident, the Copper Queens were unable to capitalise on their numerical advantage to find an equaliser. This result is a critical blow for Zambia, who had started their WAFCON campaign with a commanding 6-0 victory over Egypt, raising hopes for a strong showing and a direct path to the World Cup. The loss means the Copper Queens must now redouble their efforts in their remaining group stage matches to secure a spot in the knockout rounds and keep their World Cup dreams alive. The match, played on Saturday, August 1, 2026, saw Nigeria's early pressure pay off in the 8th minute when Oshoala found the back of the net. The game's dynamics shifted dramatically in the 40th minute when Nigerian defender Tosin Demehin was sent off for a challenge on Zambia's captain Barbra Banda, leaving Nigeria to play with ten women for the majority of the encounter. Despite this, the Super Falcons displayed remarkable resilience and tactical discipline, absorbing sustained pressure from the Copper Queens throughout the second half. For Zambia, led by their prolific captain Barbra Banda, the inability to convert their opportunities against a shorthanded Nigerian side will be a point of concern. Banda, a key player known for her scoring prowess, had previously scored four goals in Zambia's opening victory against Egypt, showcasing her importance to the team's attacking force. The Copper Quee