SUPER FALCONS BEAT EGYPT TO REACH WAFCON QUARTER-FINALS

By: Gyang Dakwo

What a performance from Nigeria, who showed exactly why they remain Africa’s most feared women’s football side, as they thrashed Egypt six goals to two to march into the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

It did not take long for the Super Falcons to make their intentions clear, as Asisat Oshoala stepped up calmly to convert a penalty and send the Egyptian goalkeeper the wrong way. Barely had the celebrations died down when Nigeria doubled their lead through substitute Gift Monday, who made an instant impact soon after coming off the bench.

Just before halftime, Egypt pulled one back through a penalty of their own, but that only seemed to wake Nigeria up further. Within twelve minutes of the restart, Uchenna Kanu had restored the two goal cushion, finishing off a lovely move built by Rinsola Babajide, who gave the Egyptian defenders a torrid afternoon with her pace and trickery.

There was still more to come, since Nigeria were handed another penalty late on, and Christy Ucheibe made no mistake, slotting home confidently to make it four goals to one. Then deep into stoppage time, captain Rasheedat Ajibade found the net from the spot as well, before substitute Joy Omewa capped a brilliant team display by scoring in the 90+8th minute, after being set up by her captain.

For all their effort, Egypt could only manage a second goal in reply, as they simply had no answer to Nigeria’s relentless attacking football and the depth on the Super Falcons’ bench.

It was Babajide who walked away with the Woman of the Match award, and rightly so, since she provided two assists and terrorised Egypt’s backline throughout with her creativity and delivery.

Up next for Nigeria is Cameroon in the quarter-finals, and that clash promises to be a real heavyweight battle. Should the Super Falcons come through it, they will meet either South Africa or Morocco in the semi-finals.

With this kind of form, Justin Madugu’s side are showing exactly why they are among the favourites to lift an eleventh WAFCON title, so Nigerians will be watching closely as their team continues the quest for continental glory.