For more than 50 minutes, Nigeria’s Super Falcons WAFCON title defence hung by a thread, but Asisat Oshoala’s early strike proved enough to secure a priceless 1-0 victory.
However, the real story unfolded after the final whistle.
Reduced to 10 players against one of the continent’s most dangerous attacking sides, facing the pace and power of Zambia’s star-studded frontline, the Super Falcons could easily have watched their campaign collapse after already suffering a shocking opening defeat to Malawi.
Instead, they refused to blink.
When several Super Falcons stars lifted the lid on the mentality, sacrifice and unity that powered one of the most resilient performances of Nigeria’s recent WAFCON history.
Their message was unanimous: nobody panicked, nobody gave up, and everyone fought for each other.
‘We Never Thought About Going Down’ – Oshoala
Six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala once again delivered on the biggest stage.
The veteran striker scored the game’s only goal early in the contest, but insisted the defining moment of Nigeria’s victory came after Oluwatosin Demehin’s dismissal, when every player accepted that extra responsibility was required.
Rather than retreat into a defensive shell, Oshoala revealed that the team continued searching for more goals.
“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 like double jobs, each position.”
“That was all.”
“Never thought about going down. We were actually thinking of trying to get more goals.”
Those words perfectly summed up the Super Falcons’ fearless mentality.
Instead of allowing the numerical disadvantage to dictate proceedings, Nigeria remained dangerous whenever opportunities presented themselves, while maintaining the discipline needed to frustrate Zambia’s dangerous attacking trio.
– Read More: “We Were Ready to Die on That Pitch!” – Rasheedat Ajibade Reveals What Saved the Super Falcons
Ajibade: ‘It’s Either We Die On That Pitch’
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade had already revealed after the match that the painful defeat against Malawi completely transformed the team’s mentality heading into the Zambia encounter.
For the skipper, there was only one acceptable outcome.
Victory.
Speaking after the game, Ajibade admitted the players approached the contest knowing their tournament was effectively on the line.
Even after Nigeria were reduced to 10 players, Ajibade insisted she never doubted the outcome.
Drawing strength from her Christian faith, the captain said she believed the adversity would only make the eventual victory even more meaningful.
‘We Had To Fight Back’ – Glory Ogbonna
Defender Glory Ogbonna echoed her captain’s message, insisting the squad knew an immediate response was necessary following the disappointment against Malawi.
According to Ogbonna, the ambition remains unchanged despite the difficult start.
The Super Falcons still believe they can retain their continental crown.
She explained that the victory over Zambia showcased the fighting spirit that has defined Nigeria’s women’s national team for decades, adding that the players will continue battling because the collective objective remains winning another WAFCON title and staying champions of Africa.
Deborah Abiodun Praises Team Spirit
Midfielder Deborah Abiodun reserved special praise for the togetherness inside the Nigerian camp.
The energetic midfielder described the victory as a complete team effort, stating that every player contributed, whether on the pitch or from the bench.
According to Abiodun, the only focus throughout the contest was making Nigerians proud after the disappointment of the opening defeat.
Her comments reflected the unity within Justin Madugu’s squad, with every player embracing responsibility during one of the tournament’s biggest tests so far.
‘We Have Been Here Before’ – Francisca Ordega
Veteran forward Francisca Ordega revealed that experience played a crucial role in keeping emotions under control.
Despite spending much of the contest with a numerical disadvantage, Ordega insisted there was never any panic inside the dressing room during half-time.
Having experienced similar situations throughout her international career, the experienced winger said the senior players immediately rallied around the younger members of the squad.
Their message was simple.
Stay calm.
Stay focused.
Finish the job.
That calmness eventually proved decisive as Nigeria successfully resisted wave after wave of Zambian pressure.
Victory Keeps Nigeria’s Title Defence Alive
The hard-fought victory breathed fresh life into the Super Falcons’ quest for a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
If the opening defeat to Malawi exposed their vulnerability, the victory over Zambia reminded the rest of the continent why writing off Nigeria has always been a dangerous mistake.
Their WAFCON dream remains alive but they need a must-win and much needed three points when they face Egypt in their last group stage game.
Egypt currently sits on the table bottom with 0 points while Nigeria is second.
Malawi tops the table with 6 points and Zambia sits third with 3 points. This leaves the top 2 battle open among the top 3.
Let the battle begin.
