Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered a statement performance at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), overpowering Egypt 6-2 in Casablanca to book their place in the quarter-finals.
The 10-time African champions produced an attacking masterclass at the Stade Larbi Zaouli on Tuesday, recovering strongly from their opening defeat of the tournament to secure a convincing knockout-stage qualification.
Needing a win to keep their title hopes alive, Nigeria responded with confidence and intensity, dominating large parts of the match and punishing Egypt’s defensive errors.
The breakthrough came in the 21st minute when Asisat Oshoala calmly converted from the penalty spot after a VAR review confirmed a handball offence inside the Egyptian box.
The Super Falcons continued pressing and doubled their advantage just before half-time through substitute Gift Monday, who scored her first goal of the tournament with a composed finish.
Egypt refused to surrender and pulled one back moments before the break after Nadine Ghazi converted a penalty awarded following another VAR intervention, leaving Nigeria with a 2-1 lead at the interval.
Nigeria returned for the second half with renewed determination and restored their two-goal advantage in the 57th minute.
Uchenna Kanu took advantage of a defensive mistake to find the back of the net, putting the Super Falcons firmly in control.
The pressure continued as Nigeria earned another penalty after a VAR check in the 78th minute. Christy Ucheibe stepped up and confidently placed her effort into the corner to make it 4-1.
Egypt briefly threatened a comeback when Ghazi scored her second goal of the night three minutes later, reducing the scoreline to 4-2.
However, Nigeria quickly ended any hopes of a dramatic turnaround.
The Super Falcons were awarded a fourth penalty late in the match following another VAR review, and captain Rasheedat Ajibade calmly converted in the 91st minute to extend Nigeria’s lead.
Ajibade then turned creator deep into stoppage time, setting up Joy Omewa, who completed the rout with Nigeria’s sixth goal in the 94th minute.
The emphatic victory reflected Nigeria’s dominance, with the Super Falcons enjoying 59 per cent possession and producing a relentless attacking display throughout the encounter.
The win sends Nigeria into the WAFCON quarter-finals with renewed belief after a difficult start to the competition.
Despite early setbacks, the Super Falcons have responded with determination, showing why they remain one of Africa’s most successful women’s football teams.
With their attacking firepower back on display, Nigeria will enter the knockout stage as one of the teams to watch.
