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Nigeria forward Asisat Oshoala has praised the fighting spirit of the Super Falcons after their hard-earned 1-0 victory over Zambia at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Footynaija reports.
The former Barcelona striker says the team’s disappointing opening defeat to Malawi helped them respond with greater determination.
The Super Falcons bounced back in impressive fashion despite playing most of the match with 10 players after defender Oluwatosin Demehin was sent off for bringing down Zambia captain Barbra Banda in the 40th minute. Oshoala’s early strike proved enough to secure all three points as Nigeria defended bravely until the final whistle.
Reflecting on the performance, Oshoala said the team refused to let the red card change their mindset.
“I think when you’re playing, different things can happen. We got a red card, and we knew we had to sacrifice more.”
“We had to do more; we had to do double jobs in each position. We never thought about going down. We were thinking of trying to get more goals.”
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie also appealed to fans to continue backing the team as they chase a place in the knockout stage and defend their continental title.
“I just want Nigerians to be calm. Ten-time champions, we are going to make you proud. All we need from you is just your prayers and support.”
Looking ahead to the decisive final Group C match against Egypt, Nnadozie warned that the task would not be straightforward.
“The next game won’t be easy; we will deploy the same approach. The group is still open; we don’t know what Zambia and Malawi would do. We need to defeat Egypt, but it won’t be an easy game.”
Nigeria sit second in Group C with three points and must beat Egypt to improve their chances of reaching the quarter-finals. However, coach Justin Madugu will be without Demehin, who serves a suspension following her red card, while midfielder Jennifer Echegini is also ruled out after picking up her second yellow card of the tournament.
