Super Falcons hammer Egypt 6-2, storm WAFCON quarter-finals

Defending champions Nigeria booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after an emphatic 6-2 victory over Egypt in their final Group C match on Wednesday.

The Super Falcons, who began the tournament with a shock defeat to Malawi, produced their most dominant performance yet to secure a second consecutive win and keep alive their quest for a record-extending 11th continental title.

Nigeria took the lead in the 21st minute when Asisat Oshoala converted from the penalty spot before Gift Monday doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time after a fine assist from Rinsola Babajide.

Egypt pulled one back moments later through Nadine Ghazi’s penalty, sending Nigeria into the break with a 2-1 lead.

The Super Falcons returned from halftime in complete control, with Babajide again turning provider as Uchenna Kanu made it 3-1 in the 57th minute.

Christy Ucheibe extended Nigeria’s lead from the penalty spot in the 81st minute, but Ghazi grabbed her second goal three minutes later to briefly reduce the deficit.

Rasheedat Ajibade restored Nigeria’s three-goal cushion with another penalty before setting up Joy Omewa, who sealed the emphatic victory deep into stoppage time.

The result completed an impressive turnaround for Justine Madugu’s side after their opening 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi. Nigeria recovered with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia before dismantling Egypt to seal qualification.

Despite the commanding win, the Super Falcons finished second in Group C after Malawi defeated Zambia 2-1 to top the standings on the tiebreak rule. Nigeria and Malawi both ended the group stage on six points, while Zambia crashed out despite also finishing with six points. Egypt exited the tournament without a point after losing all three matches.

Nigeria will now shift focus to the knockout stage as they continue their campaign to defend the WAFCON title in Morocco.