The Copper Queens have complicated their chances of advancing to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after suffering a 1-0 defeat to defending champions Nigeria on Saturday night. A win for Zambia at Al Madina Stadium would have seen them progress…

The Copper Queens have complicated their chances of advancing to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after suffering a 1-0 defeat to defending champions Nigeria on Saturday night.

A win for Zambia at Al Madina Stadium would have seen them progress to the last eight with a game to spare.

Instead, Asisat Oshoala’s early strike condemned Bruce Mwape’s former side to their first loss of the tournament.

Oshoala scored in the 8th minute to give the Super Falcons the lead.

Nigeria, who had lost their opener to debutants Malawi, held on until the final whistle to revive their own qualification hopes.

It was a disappointing display for Zambia, who had kicked off the tournament with a dominant 6-0 win over Egypt last Tuesday.

The result has seen the Copper Queens drop from top of Group C to third, remaining on three points.

In the other Group C match played earlier on Saturday, Malawi secured a 3-1 victory over Egypt to book their place in the quarterfinals.

Zambia now face a must-win final group game against Malawi next Wednesday at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat to keep their knockout stage ambitions alive.

The top four semi-finalists at WAFCON will earn automatic qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The Copper Queens are aiming to better their bronze medal finish at the 2022 WAFCON, won under the late coach Bruce Mwape.