The Super Falcons of Nigeria produced a breathtaking attacking masterclass to crush Egypt 6–2 at the Stade Larbi Zaouli on Wednesday, securing their qualification for the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Entering their final Group C fixture in a high-stakes, must-win scenario following an opening defeat to Malawi and a hard-fought victory over Zambia, the 10-time African champions delivered a statement performance to advance to the knockout stage in pursuit of a record-extending 11th continental title.
Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 21st minute from the penalty spot after a VAR review penalised the Egyptian defence for a handball. Deep into first-half stoppage time, substitute Gift Monday doubled the advantage with a crisp finish off a short corner routine.
Egypt briefly threatened a comeback in the tenth minute of injury time when Nadine Ghazi converted a penalty following another VAR check, sending the teams into the break at 2–1.
The Super Falcons maintained their relentless momentum after the restart as second-half substitute Uchenna Kanu capitalised on an Egyptian defensive error in the 57th minute to restore Nigeria’s two-goal cushion.
In the 81st minute, Christy Ucheibe stepped up to convert Nigeria’s second VAR-awarded penalty of the night. Although Ghazi struck again for Egypt three minutes later to bring the score to 4–2, captain Rasheedat Ajibade calmly buried a third penalty for the Falcons in the 91st minute to extinguish any hopes of an Egyptian resurgence.
Joy Omewa capped off the explosive performance deep in stoppage time by tapping home her debut WAFCON goal following a brilliant setup by Ajibade.
Head coach Justine Madugu’s side dominated possession with 59% control and displayed frightening attacking depth, with five different players writing their names on the scoresheet.
The victory completed a remarkable group-stage turnaround for the tournament holders, who finished level on six points in Group C to book their spot in the last eight. The primary concern for Nigeria heading into the elimination round surrounds Oshoala, who was forced off with an injury late in the first half shortly after scoring her opening goal.
The Super Falcons now shift their full attention to the quarter-finals, where they will reignite one of African football’s classic rivalries in a heavyweight showdown against old foes Cameroon on Sunday, August 9.
