Nigeria produced a ruthless attacking display to seal qualification after an entertaining eight-goal thriller in Morocco.
The Super Falcons delivered a statement performance to defeat Egypt 6-2 and secure a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Needing victory to avoid relying on results elsewhere, Justin Madugu’s side produced an impressive attacking display in a dramatic Group C encounter that featured eight goals and four penalties, with six different Nigerian players finding the back of the net.
Oshoala Opens the Scoring
Nigeria took control midway through the first half after a VAR review awarded the Super Falcons a penalty for handball inside the Egyptian penalty area.
Six-time African Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala calmly converted from the spot in the 21st minute to register her second goal of the tournament and hand Nigeria a deserved lead.
However, the experienced striker’s evening was cut short after she was forced off with an injury before halftime.
Gift Monday Extends Nigeria’s Lead
Oshoala’s replacement, Gift Monday, made an immediate impact by doubling Nigeria’s advantage just before the break with a composed finish.
Egypt, however, responded in first-half stoppage time after another VAR review resulted in a penalty following Michelle Alozie’s challenge inside the box.
Nadine Ghazi converted from the spot to reduce the deficit and give Egypt renewed hope heading into the second half.
Super Falcons Pull Away
Nigeria regained complete control shortly after the restart.
Substitute Uchenna Kanu scored with her first touch after replacing Folashade Ijamilusi, restoring the Super Falcons’ two-goal cushion and swinging the momentum firmly in Nigeria’s favour.
The closing stages produced more drama as the referee awarded two additional penalties to Nigeria.
Christy Ucheibe and captain Rasheedat Ajibade both converted confidently from the spot, while Ghazi grabbed her second goal of the evening for Egypt.
Deep into stoppage time, Joy Omewa completed the rout with Nigeria’s sixth goal, sealing a memorable 6-2 victory.
Super Falcons Advance to Knockout Stage
The victory ensured Nigeria progressed to the quarter-finals with six points from three Group C matches.
Although the Super Falcons finished level on points with both Malawi and Zambia, Malawi claimed top spot based on the tournament’s head-to-head tiebreak criteria after defeating Zambia 2-1 in the other group fixture.
Nigeria now advances to the last eight, where they are scheduled to face the winners of Group D on August 9 at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, with Cameroon emerging as the likely opponents.
The emphatic victory also restores confidence within the squad as the nine-time African champions continue their pursuit of another continental title.