The Super Falcons recorded a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia to revive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage after suffering a disappointing opening-day defeat to Malawi.
Asisat Oshoala scored the decisive goal in the eighth minute, racing onto a well-weighted pass from Rasheedat Ajibade before calmly slotting the ball past the Zambian goalkeeper.
Nigeria held on for all three points despite playing with 10 players for much of the match following Oluwatosin Demehin's first-half red card.
Allnigeriasoccer.com presents five observations from the win over Zambia
Madugu rings changes after Malawi defeat
Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu made five changes to the starting lineup following Nigeria's 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in their opening game.
He handed starting roles to Asisat Oshoala, Rofiat Imran, Deborah Abiodun, Uchenna Kanu and Christy Ucheibe, replacing Shakiratu Oladipo, Florence Ijamilusi, Chiwendu Ihezuo, Halimatu Ayinde and Esther Okoronkwo.
The tactical adjustments proved effective as the Super Falcons battled to a crucial victory despite playing with 10 players for much of the encounter.
Referee makes judicious use of VAR
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) played a decisive role on two occasions in the first half.
The first intervention saw Oluwatosin Demehin's yellow card and the resulting free kick overturned after VAR ruled that Zambia captain Barbra Banda had been in an offside position before the challenge.
Moments later, Demehin was again penalised after bringing down Banda as she raced towards goal.
Although the referee initially issued a yellow card, VAR upgraded the decision to a straight red card after determining that the defender had been denied a clear goalscoring opportunity as the last player.
Banda constant threat to Falcons
Zambia captain Barbra Banda posed a constant threat to the Nigerian defence throughout the match with her pace, strength and direct attacking play.
The Super Falcons struggled at times to contain the prolific forward, who repeatedly stretched the backline.
Her influence was most evident in the incident that resulted in Demehin's dismissal, underlining the danger she carried whenever Zambia launched attacks.
Despite her impressive display, Nigeria's defence held firm to secure a vital victory.
Echegini suspended for Egypt clash
Super Falcons midfielder Jennifer Echegini will miss Nigeria's final Group C match against Egypt after picking up a yellow card in the second half against Zambia.
The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder was one of the few players who retained her place in the starting lineup following the defeat to Malawi.
She justified Justin Madugu's decision with an energetic and disciplined display in midfield, helping the Super Falcons secure victory despite playing with 10 players for much of the game.
Oshoala rolls back the years
Asisat Oshoala delivered one of her finest performances in recent times, reminding fans of the quality that made her one of Africa's most feared forwards.
The former Barcelona striker scored the only goal of the match in the eighth minute, vindicating Madugu's decision to hand her a starting berth despite recent doubts over her place in the team.
Her display was a timely response to critics who had questioned her continued inclusion in the national team, with some even suggesting the veteran forward should retire from international football.
Instead, the six-time CAF Women's Player of the Year answered with a match-winning performance and will be hoping to carry that momentum into the knockout stages of the tournament.
Adeyemi Adewale
Photo Credit: The Super Falcons Show
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