The Super Falcons of Nigeria booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a commanding 6-2 victory over Egypt in their final group game at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
Nigeria headed into the match needing all three points, with qualification also dependent on the outcome of the other Group C fixture between Malawi and Zambia.
The eight-goal contest sprang to life in the 21st minute when Asisat Oshoala gave Nigeria the lead from the penalty spot. The forward’s initial effort struck the arm of an Egyptian defender, and after a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot. Oshoala calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to open the scoring.
Rinsola Babajide, making her first start of the tournament alongside Toni Payne, was influential throughout. She nearly made an instant impact just 18 seconds into the contest after driving towards the edge of the area, but her effort drifted wide.
Nigeria doubled their advantage before the break through Monday Gift. Babajide delivered an inviting corner into the six-yard box, where Gift was perfectly placed to apply the finishing touch after replacing the injured Oshoala in the 41st minute.
Despite Nigeria’s control, Egypt pulled one back deep into first-half stoppage time. Following another VAR review, Michelle Alozie was adjudged to have elbowed Yasmine Mohammed inside the box. Nadin Ghazy converted the resulting penalty to reduce the deficit, with Nigeria taking a 2-1 lead into the interval.
The second half initially lacked the intensity of the first, but Nigeria quickly took complete control.
In the 57th minute, Monday Gift battled brilliantly to release Babajide down the left. The winger cut the ball back intelligently for substitute Uchenna Kanu, who finished with her first touch to restore Nigeria’s two-goal cushion.
The Super Falcons continued to dominate and were awarded another penalty after Kanu was brought down inside the area following a VAR review. Christy Ucheibe stepped up and converted confidently to extend Nigeria’s lead.
Egypt grabbed a second goal in the 84th minute. Yasmine Mohammed found space down the channel before cutting the ball back for Nadin Ghazy, who struck beyond Chiamaka Nnadozie for her second goal of the evening.
Nigeria responded almost immediately. Michelle Alozie was brought down inside the area to earn the Super Falcons their third penalty, and the fourth of the match. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade made no mistake, sending Habiba El Taher the wrong way to make it 5-2.
There was still time for one more. Monday Gift drove into the penalty area before holding up play and combining with Ajibade. The captain carried the ball towards goal before squaring for substitute Joy Omewa, who had only entered the game in the 86th minute, to complete the scoring and wrap up a convincing 6-2 victory.
It was the kind of performance that reminded everyone why Nigeria remain the most successful team in WAFCON history. Their attacking quality, depth and ability to take control of big moments once again showed why the Super Falcons remain the benchmark on the continent.
Nigeria will now face Cameroon in the quarter-finals on Sunday.
Victory in that tie would not only send the Super Falcons into the last four of WAFCON but also secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
