CAN Féminine 2026: Nigeria leads 1-0 at halftime but finishes with ten players

01.08.26 FT Africa Women Cup of Nations

Nigeria W

1

:

Zambia W

0

It's halftime at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat. Nigeria leads Zambia 1-0 in this matchday two clash from Group C of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Oshoala makes her mark

Nigeria struck fast. Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring in the 8th minute, reigniting the Super Falcons. After the 2-3 defeat to Malawi, Nigeria knew they needed a strong start—and they delivered. Sent through on goal, Asisat Oshoala clinically beat Nali in the 8th minute. 1-0.

Demehin sent off, Zambia seizes the moment

But the joy didn’t last. Reduced to ten after Blessing Demehin’s expulsion, the Nigerians now have to hold out for 45 minutes if they want to revive their Group C campaign. Already on a yellow, she picked up a second booking in the 41st and left her teammates shorthanded. A decisive moment.

Facing them is a confident Zambian side, fresh off a 6-0 demolition of Egypt. Banda, Kundananji and Chanda will throw everything forward to turn the game around. Nnadozie and her defense are in for a real test. Nigeria have the scoreboard advantage, but the second half promises to be a battle.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

Related teams and leagues

Nigeria W

Zambia W

Africa Women Cup of Nations