The report puts Oshoala’s goal at eight minutes, after a save by goalkeeper Hazel Nali. The account says Oluwatosin Demehin was sent off after a VAR review five minutes before half-time, leaving Nigeria to defend its advantage for the second half.
That numerical edge did not bring Zambia an equaliser. The match account identifies a long-range free-kick from Racheal Kundananji, saved by Chiamaka Nnadozie, as a key chance, while Grace Chanda missed from close range in stoppage time. Holding on through those moments turned a narrow lead into a potentially important result.
The report also says the red-card decision was disputed, with Rofiat Imuran appearing to provide cover. That detail may keep attention on the officiating, but Nigeria’s immediate gain is the win.
The report says Nigeria and Zambia each have three points, while Malawi leads Group C after another victory. Nigeria’s final group match is against Egypt; Zambia face Malawi. The account says the four semi-finalists qualify directly for the World Cup, while quarter-final losers can still pursue a place through the intercontinental play-offs.
Nigeria’s next test is therefore clear: turn a hard-fought win into a place in the knockout rounds. The result restores hope, but the Egypt match will determine whether that comeback is enough.