Nigeria reignited their 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification hopes with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. This year’s competition doubles as a qualification for the World Cup next year, with all four semifinalists automatically qualifying. Asisat Oshoala scored the decisive goal in the eighth minute, helping the defending champions recover from their shock opening defeat to Malawi. Nigeria’s task grew harder when defender Oluwatosin Demehin was sent off following a VAR review just before halftime. Nevertheless, the players held on for the win. The result leaves Nigeria level with Zambia on points in Group C, both trailing surprise leaders Malawi. Nigeria will face Egypt in their final group match, needing a positive result to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
BBC