Nigeria revived its hopes of reaching the 2027 Women’s World Cup with a nervy 1-0 win over Zambia at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The continental tournament doubles as a qualifier, with all four WAFCON semi‑finalists booking a ticket to Brazil and quarter‑finalists vying for inter‑confederation play‑offs. The West Africans entered Group C on the brink of an early exit after a shock 3‑2 loss to debutants Malawi.

A swift start saw Asisat Oshoala slot Nigeria ahead in the eighth minute when the ball slipped off her right thigh after an initial save by Zambia goalkeeper Hazel Nali. Five minutes before the break, centre‑back Oluwatosin Demehin was sent off after a VAR review, the referee Josphine Wanjiku upgrading a yellow to a red for a tackle on Barbra Banda. Despite the numerical advantage, Zambia failed to convert; a long‑range free‑kick by Racheal Kundananji was tipped over the bar and a late volley from Grace Chanda nearly tipped the match.

Nigeria now sits level with Zambia on three points, trailing surprise package Malawi, who sit atop Group C after beating Egypt 3‑1. In other WAFCON action, hosts Morocco have secured a last‑eight berth, while South Africa risk missing the World Cup after picking up just one point from their opening two matches in Group B.