NEWS

Copper Queens Fall Narrowly to Nigeria Despite Player Advantage

45 minutes ago

The Copper Queens suffered a 1-0 defeat to defending champions Nigeria in their second Group C fixture at the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Saturday, leaving Zambia with work to do in their final group match against Malawi.

Nigeria made a bright start to the contest and found the breakthrough early when experienced forward Asisat Oshoala capitalised on an opportunity to score what would ultimately prove to be the winning goal. Despite Zambia growing into the game, the Copper Queens were unable to find an equaliser before the break.

The complexion of the match changed at the start of the second half when Nigeria were reduced to 10 players, giving Zambia a numerical advantage for the remainder of the encounter. The Copper Queens increased the pressure in search of a goal, creating attacking opportunities and enjoying more possession, but the Super Falcons remained organised defensively to preserve their slender lead.

Although Zambia fought until the final whistle, they were unable to break through Nigeria’s resilient defence, allowing the reigning African champions to claim all three points and strengthen their position in Group C.

Also Read: Copper Queens Stay On Top Despite Tight Draw

The defeat means the Copper Queens must now focus on their decisive final group match against Malawi, where a positive result will be crucial in their bid to secure qualification for the quarterfinals and keep their hopes of lifting the 2026 WAFCON title alive.

#	Team	GP	Pts
1	Power Dynamos	34	78
2	Red Arrows	34	63
3	Kabwe Warriors	33	51
4	Nchanga Rangers	34	50
5	Zanaco	33	50
6	Green Eagles	34	50
7	Mufulira Wanderers	34	49
8	Konkola Blades	34	48
9	FC MUZA	33	48
10	Zesco United	33	44
11	Kansanshi Dynamos	34	43
12	Green Buffaloes	34	41
13	Nkana FC	34	39
14	Nkwazi FC	33	37
15	Mutondo Stars	33	35
16	Napsa Stars	33	33
17	FC Leopards	33	31
18	Mines United	34	18

#	Team	GP	Pt
1	Makeni All Stars	34	66
2	Chirundu United	34	65
3	Trident FC	34	65
4	Roan United FC	34	64
5	Forest Rangers	34	58
6	Kafue Celtic	34	58
7	Lumwana Radiants	34	56
8	Aguila Stars	34	53
9	Atletico Lusaka	34	47
10	Jumulo FC	34	42
11	Indeni FC	34	40
12	Ndola United	34	39
13	Kitwe United	34	36
14	Chipata City Council FC	34	36
15	Locus FC	34	34
16	Chambishi FC	34	28
17	River Plate	34	25
18	Mpulungu Harbour	34	14

#	Team	GP	Pt
1	Zesco Ndola Girls	34	88
2	Green Buffaloes Women	34	83
3	Indeni Roses	34	75
4	Zanaco Ladies	34	67
5	Red Arrows Women	34	67
6	Green Eagles Women	34	63
7	Konkola Blades Queens	34	57
8	Nchanga Rangers Queens	34	52
9	Trident Queens	34	45
10	The Elite Ladies	34	45
11	Kamfinsa Blue Eagles Queens	34	33
12	National Assembly Women	34	32
13	Luyando Foundation Girls	34	31
14	YASA Queens	34	27
15	ZISD FC	34	25
16	Amazing Grace FC	34	24
17	Nkwazi Queens	34	20
18	Chipata Girls	34	15

#	Team	GP	Pts
1	Power Dynamos	34	78
2	Red Arrows	34	63
3	Kabwe Warriors	33	51
4	Nchanga Rangers	34	50
5	Zanaco	33	50
6	Green Eagles	34	50
7	Mufulira Wanderers	34	49
8	Konkola Blades	34	48
9	FC MUZA	33	48
10	Zesco United	33	44
11	Kansanshi Dynamos	34	43
12	Green Buffaloes	34	41
13	Nkana FC	34	39
14	Nkwazi FC	33	37
15	Mutondo Stars	33	35
16	Napsa Stars	33	33
17	FC Leopards	33	31
18	Mines United	34	18

#	Team	GP	Pt
1	Makeni All Stars	34	66
2	Chirundu United	34	65
3	Trident FC	34	65
4	Roan United FC	34	64
5	Forest Rangers	34	58
6	Kafue Celtic	34	58
7	Lumwana Radiants	34	56
8	Aguila Stars	34	53
9	Atletico Lusaka	34	47
10	Jumulo FC	34	42
11	Indeni FC	34	40
12	Ndola United	34	39
13	Kitwe United	34	36
14	Chipata City Council FC	34	36
15	Locus FC	34	34
16	Chambishi FC	34	28
17	River Plate	34	25
18	Mpulungu Harbour	34	14

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