The Super Falcons of Nigeria claimed a massive 6-2 victory against Egypt to earn a place at the ongoing WAFCON 2026 knockout phase at the expense of Malawi.
Nigeria booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after producing a sensational attacking display at the Stade Moulay Hassan Stadium.
The Super Falcons, aiming to reclaim the continental title, delivered one of their most impressive performances of the tournament, combining clinical finishing with attacking flair to overwhelm the Egyptian Women.
The current Champions started the game on the front foot, controlling possession and constantly putting pressure on the Egyptian defence. Their persistence finally paid off in the 21st minute when the referee awarded a penalty following a VAR review for a handball inside the box.
Asisat Oshoala stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to hand the Super Falcons a deserved 1-0 lead. The nine-time African Player of the Year remained a constant threat, while Toni Payne and Rinsola Babajide caused problems down the flanks with their pace and creativity.
Their attacking combination helped Nigeria extend the lead in first-half stoppage time. A clever pass from Babajide opened up the Egyptian defence before substitute Gift Monday finished confidently to make it 2-0.
Egypt managed to respond just before the halftime whistle, pulling a goal back to reduce the deficit through Ghazy from the penalty spot to 2-1 and briefly give themselves hope heading into the second half.
The Super Falcons returned from the break determined to finish the job. Their dominance continued in the 57th minute when substitute Uchenna Kanu restored the two-goal advantage.
The experienced forward reacted quickly inside the penalty area and fired a precise left-footed finish past the Egyptian goalkeeper to make it 3-1.
As the game entered its closing stages, Egypt struggled to cope with Nigeria’s relentless attacking pressure. The Super Falcons were awarded another penalty after a VAR review in the 80th minute, and midfielder Christy Ucheibe made no mistake from the spot to stretch the lead to 4-1.
Ghazy scored again for the Cleopatra’s in the 84th minute which turned things to 4-2. Only eight minutes later, Nigeria received a third penalty of the evening following another VAR intervention.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade confidently converted in the 88th minute, adding a fifth goal and putting the result beyond any doubt. Although Egypt managed to score again to make the scoreline 5-2, Nigeria had the final say in stoppage time.
Gift Monday burst forward before combining brilliantly with Ajibade, whose perfectly timed pass found substitute Joy Omewa inside the six-yard box.
Omewa calmly tapped into an empty net to score her first-ever WAFCON goal and complete Nigeria’s remarkable 6-2 victory sending the Super Eagles into the next round of the tournament.
The emphatic win highlighted the depth and quality within Justin Madugu’s squad, with several substitutes making significant contributions.
Gift Monday scored once and provided an assist, Uchenna Kanu added another goal, while Joy Omewa marked a memorable tournament debut with a late strike.
Ajibade also enjoyed an outstanding performance, scoring from the penalty spot and creating the final goal of the night.
Nigeria’s attacking efficiency, movement off the ball, and ability to capitalize on VAR decisions proved too much for Egypt, who were unable to cope with the Super Falcons’ relentless pressure throughout the contest.
With the group stage now behind them, all attention will shift their attention to the knockout rounds, where they are set to face Cameroon in what promises to be one of the biggest fixtures of the 2026 WAFCON quarter-finals.
The Super Falcons will be hoping they can improve on their game and overcome the next challenge in front of them as they look to reclaim their title while eyeing qualifications for the World Cup.