The Super Falcons of Nigeria produced a dominant attacking display to defeat Egypt 6-2 in Casablanca on Tuesday, sealing qualification for the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Needing victory to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive after losing to Malawi and beating Zambia in their opening two matches, the 10-time African champions delivered an emphatic performance at the Stade Larbi Zaouli.
Nigeria took the lead in the 21st minute when Asisat Oshoala calmly converted a penalty after the referee awarded a spot kick following a VAR review for a possible handball.
The Super Falcons doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time through substitute Gift Monday, who scored her first goal of the tournament with a decisive finish.
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Egypt, however, pulled one back moments before the break after Nadine Ghazi converted a penalty awarded following another VAR review, sending the teams into half-time with Nigeria leading 2-1.
Nigeria resumed the second half on the front foot and restored their two-goal cushion in the 57th minute when substitute Uchenna Kanu capitalised on a defensive lapse to score.
The pressure continued to pay off as the Super Falcons were awarded another penalty after a VAR check in the 78th minute.
Christy Ucheibe stepped up in the 81st minute and calmly placed the ball into the right corner to make it 4-1.
Egypt responded three minutes later through Ghazi, who grabbed her second goal of the game to reduce the deficit to 4-2.
Any hopes of an Egyptian comeback were quickly extinguished when Nigeria won a fourth penalty after another VAR review late in the match.
Captain Rashidat Ajibade confidently converted in the 91st minute to extend the lead to 5-2.
Deep into stoppage time, Ajibade turned provider, setting up Joy Omewa, who rounded off the scoring in the 94th minute to complete a resounding 6-2 victory.
Nigeria finished the match with 59 per cent possession and six goals from a relentless attacking performance that secured their place in the last eight of the continental competition.
The encounter also saw several disciplinary incidents, with Egypt’s Essam H., Menna Tarek and Nour Abdelwahed all booked, while Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie and substitute Uchenna Kanu received yellow cards. Egypt coach Mohamed Kamal was also cautioned late in the game.
The convincing win sends the Super Falcons into the WAFCON 2026 quarter-finals with renewed momentum after recovering from their opening defeat of the tournament.
