Nigeria’s Super Falcons have reminded the rest of Africa why they remain the team to beat at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). After a difficult start to their title defence, the ten-time African champions responded with authority, dismantling Egypt 6-2 to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
The result completed an impressive turnaround for Justin Madugu’s side, who recovered from an opening defeat to Malawi before edging Zambia and finally producing their best football of the tournament against Egypt. Across Morocco, the final round of group matches also delivered drama, surprise results and a confirmed knockout bracket that promises several blockbuster encounters.
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Super Falcons Find Their Rhythm With Six-Goal Display Against Egypt
Nigeria entered their final Group C fixture knowing that only victory would guarantee progress. The response was emphatic.
Captain Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 21st minute before Gift Monday doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time after excellent work from Rinsola Babajide. Egypt pulled one back through Nadine Ghazi’s penalty before the break, briefly giving the Pharaohs hope.
The second half belonged entirely to Nigeria.
Babajide continued her impressive evening by setting up Uchenna Kanu for the Falcons’ third goal. Christy Ucheibe added a fourth from another penalty, while Ghazi grabbed her second goal for Egypt to reduce the deficit.
Any thoughts of a comeback quickly disappeared. Rasheedat Ajibade converted Nigeria’s third penalty of the evening before providing the assist for Joy Omewa, who completed the scoring deep into stoppage time.
The 6-2 victory was Nigeria’s biggest win of the tournament and showcased the attacking quality that had been missing during the opening matches. The Falcons created chances consistently, looked sharper in transition and displayed the clinical finishing expected from defending champions chasing another continental crown.
Group Stage Drama Shapes Quarter-final Line-up
While Nigeria celebrated qualification, Group C delivered one of the tournament’s biggest twists.
Malawi suffered a 2-1 defeat to Zambia but still finished top of the group after CAF’s head-to-head tiebreak rules separated three teams tied on six points. Nigeria also finished with six points to qualify in second place, while Zambia’s impressive goal difference proved irrelevant under the competition’s regulations, ending their campaign despite winning two matches.
Elsewhere, Côte d’Ivoire continued their remarkable return to WAFCON by topping Group B after defeating Tanzania 2-1. The Ivorians finished unbeaten and announced themselves as genuine contenders.
South Africa also booked their place in the last eight after a narrow 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso, setting up a heavyweight clash with hosts Morocco.
With Cameroon, Algeria and Morocco already through before the final round, the quarter-final picture is now almost complete.
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Nigeria Set for Cameroon Test as Title Race Intensifies
Nigeria will now face Cameroon in one of the standout quarter-final fixtures.
The rivalry between both nations has produced memorable contests over the years, and another fiercely contested meeting is expected. The Super Falcons will enter the match encouraged by their attacking display against Egypt, but Cameroon remain one of the continent’s most organised sides and will present a far tougher challenge.
Other confirmed quarter-final ties include Morocco against South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire against Algeria, while Malawi await the final qualifier from Group D.
For Nigeria, the victory over Egypt may prove to be the turning point of their campaign. After early doubts following the opening defeat, the Super Falcons appear to have rediscovered their confidence at exactly the right time.
With experienced leaders such as Oshoala and Ajibade stepping up alongside emerging performers like Babajide and Gift Monday, Nigeria now head into the knockout stage believing an 11th WAFCON title remains well within reach.
Can the Super Falcons carry this momentum all the way to another African title? Follow RefinedNG for comprehensive WAFCON coverage, match analysis and the latest updates from Morocco.