Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered a commanding attacking performance to overpower Egypt 6-2 in Casablanca on Tuesday, booking their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
After a loss to Malawi and a win over Zambia in their earlier group matches, the 10-time African champions needed victory to keep their tournament hopes alive. They rose to the occasion at Stade Larbi Zaouli, producing a clinical display to secure progression.
The breakthrough came in the 21st minute when Asisat Oshoala confidently dispatched a penalty following a VAR review for handball. Just before half-time, substitute Gift Monday doubled Nigeria’s lead with her first goal of the tournament. Egypt responded immediately, narrowing the deficit to 2-1 at the break as Nadine Ghazi converted a penalty awarded after another VAR intervention.
Nigeria resumed control in the second half, restoring their two-goal lead in the 57th minute when Uchenna Kanu pounced on a defensive error. The Super Falcons continued to press, earning another penalty in the 78th minute after a VAR check. Christy Ucheibe made no mistake from the spot in the 81st minute, making it 4-1.
Egypt briefly threatened a comeback when Ghazi struck again three minutes later to make it 4-2. However, Nigeria quickly extinguished any hopes of a turnaround, winning a fourth penalty after yet another VAR review. Captain Rashidat Ajibade converted in the 91st minute to extend the advantage to 5-2. In stoppage time, Ajibade turned provider, setting up Joy Omewa for Nigeria’s sixth and final goal in the 94th minute.
The Super Falcons finished with 59 percent possession and a relentless attacking display that delivered six goals and a place in the last eight. The match also featured several bookings: Egypt’s Essam H., Menna Tarek, and Nour Abdelwahed saw yellow cards, as did Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie and Uchenna Kanu. Egypt coach Mohamed Kamal was also cautioned late on.
This emphatic win propels Nigeria into the WAFCON 2026 quarter-finals with renewed confidence, as they bounce back strongly from their opening group defeat.
