Ten-time champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons defeated Egypt 6-2 to book their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), keeping their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup alive.
The thrilling encounter produced eight goals and four penalties, with Nigeria awarded three spot-kicks while Egypt received one in a game filled with drama from start to finish.
Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring in the 21st minute, calmly converting Nigeria’s first penalty of the match. Monday Gift, who came on to replace the injured Oshoala, doubled the Falcons’ advantage just before half-time. Egypt, however, pulled one back in stoppage time of the first half to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
The second half exploded into life with five more goals. Kanu Ucheibe, who was introduced in the 56th minute, made an instant impact by scoring just a minute after coming on to restore Nigeria’s two-goal cushion.
Christy Ucheibe then made it 4-1 in the 81st minute from the penalty spot after Nigeria was awarded its third spot-kick of the night. Egypt responded three minutes later with another goal, but the comeback never materialised.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade added Nigeria’s fifth before Joy Omewa sealed an emphatic 6-2 victory to send the Super Falcons into the quarter-finals in style.
At the end of the group stage, Nigeria, Malawi and Zambia all finished on six points, while Egypt ended the campaign without a point. Nigeria and Malawi progressed to the quarter-finals on goal difference, edging out Zambia.
