Nigeria’s Super Falcons booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after producing a dominant second-half display to defeat Egypt 6-2 in their final Group C fixture on Wednesday night.
Needing victory to guarantee qualification after a mixed start to the tournament, the ten-time African champions delivered an emphatic performance at the Rabat Olympic Stadium, keeping alive their hopes of winning an 11th continental title.
The Super Falcons took the lead in the 21st minute when captain Asisat Oshoala calmly converted a penalty after the referee awarded a spot-kick following a VAR review for handball.
Nigeria doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time through Gift Monday, who finished expertly after meeting a low cross from Rinsola Babajide.
However, Egypt responded almost immediately before the interval. Nadine Ghazi reduced the deficit from the penalty spot after another VAR intervention, ensuring the teams went into half-time with Nigeria leading 2-1.
The Super Falcons came out with renewed intensity after the restart and quickly reasserted their dominance.
Uchenna Kanu restored Nigeria’s two-goal cushion in the 57th minute, finishing off a well-worked attacking move to make it 3-1.
The floodgates opened late in the contest.
Midfielder Christy Ucheibe converted Nigeria’s second penalty of the night in the 81st minute, extending the lead to 4-1.
Although Ghazi grabbed her second goal of the match three minutes later to briefly give Egypt hope, Nigeria responded in ruthless fashion.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade added a fifth from the penalty spot in the opening minute of stoppage time before turning provider moments later, setting up Joy Omewa for a simple finish that completed a convincing 6-2 victory.
The encounter featured four successful penalty kicks, highlighting the significant influence of VAR throughout the game.
Nigeria controlled possession for long periods and created the better opportunities, particularly in the second half, where their attacking quality proved too much for the Egyptians.
In the other Group C fixture, Zambia defeated Malawi 2-1, meaning all three sides finished on six points. Malawi secured top spot on the tiebreakers, while Nigeria advanced as group runners-up. Despite winning two of their three matches, Zambia were eliminated, while Egypt finished bottom of the standings after losing all three group games.
The victory represents an impressive turnaround for Justin Madugu’s side, who recovered from a shock 3-2 opening defeat to Malawi by recording back-to-back victories over Zambia and Egypt to secure their place in the knockout stages.
Nigeria are now expected to face Cameroon, winners of Group D, in the quarter-finals as they continue their pursuit of another WAFCON crown.
With six goals, a clinical attacking display, and growing confidence after overcoming a difficult start to the tournament, the Super Falcons head into the knockout rounds looking increasingly capable of mounting a serious challenge for continental glory.
