Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered a resounding statement of intent on Wednesday, dismantling Egypt 6-2 in their final Group C match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The emphatic victory propelled the 10-time African champions into the quarterfinals, where they will face arch-rivals Cameroon in a high-stakes showdown that also carries implications for 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification in Brazil.
Coach Justine Madugu’s side bounced back strongly from an opening 3-2 loss to debutants Malawi. They secured successive wins, including a narrow victory over Zambia, to finish the group stage with six points. Despite the goal fest against Egypt, Malawi topped Group C after edging Zambia 2-1, thanks to tiebreaker rules.
Nigeria’s ruthless attacking display, however, showcased their championship pedigree and hunger to defend their continental crown.
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The Super Falcons dominated from the start. Asisat Oshoala, the record six-time African Player of the Year, calmly slotted home from the penalty spot in the 21st minute. Gift Monday doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time, finishing a slick move involving Rinsola Babajide. Egypt pulled one back via Nadine Ghazi’s penalty just before the break, but Nigeria refused to loosen their grip.
After halftime, the floodgates opened. Babajide assisted Uchenna Kanu for the third goal in the 57th minute. Christy Ucheibe converted a penalty in the 81st minute, and though Ghazi netted her second for Egypt, captain Rasheedat Ajibade restored a three-goal cushion from the spot before setting up Joy Omewa for the sixth in stoppage time.
The Super Falcons attacked with pace, precision, and relentless pressure, thrilling fans and silencing doubts.
This result adds to the Super Falcons’ illustrious history of quarterfinal appearances on the global stage. They famously reached the FIFA Women’s World Cup quarterfinals in 1999 and the Olympic quarterfinals in 2004 the only African women’s team to achieve both feats.
The upcoming quarterfinal against Cameroon renews one of Africa’s fiercest rivalries. Nigeria holds a commanding historical edge, winning 13, drawing 8, and losing just 5 against the Indomitable Lionesses.
Recent encounters include a 2-0 victory in the 2024 AFCON and mixed friendly results in 2026, where Cameroon snatched a 1-0 win before Nigeria responded strongly.
Madugu acknowledged the pressure, noting, “You can’t please everyone in the game of football.” Yet his team’s recovery and firepower suggest they enter the knockout stage with momentum. A win over Cameroon would not only advance them but also secure vital World Cup qualification points.
