Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered their biggest statement of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday, hammering Egypt 6-2 to secure a place in the quarter-finals and keep their dream of defending the continental title alive.
The convincing victory at the Rabat Olympic Stadium completed a dramatic turnaround for the defending champions, who had looked in danger of an early exit after suffering a shock opening defeat to tournament newcomers Malawi. Back-to-back victories over Zambia and Egypt have now sent Justine Madugu’s side into the knockout rounds with renewed belief.
Asisat Oshoala gave Nigeria the perfect start, calmly converting a penalty in the 21st minute to put the Super Falcons ahead. Gift Monday doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time after a well-worked move created by Rinsola Babajide, giving Nigeria control before the break.
Egypt found a lifeline moments later when Nadine Ghazi converted from the penalty spot deep into first-half added time to reduce the deficit to 2-1. However, any hopes of a comeback quickly faded after the restart as Nigeria dominated proceedings with relentless attacking football.
Babajide continued her outstanding performance by setting up Uchenna Kanu for Nigeria’s third goal in the 57th minute. Christy Ucheibe added a fourth from the penalty spot in the 81st minute before Ghazi grabbed her second goal of the night for Egypt three minutes later to make it 4-2.
The Super Falcons finished strongly, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade converting another penalty to restore Nigeria’s three-goal advantage before turning provider for Joy Omewa, who completed the rout in stoppage time to seal a memorable 6-2 victory.
Despite Nigeria’s emphatic win, Malawi claimed top spot in Group C after defeating Zambia 2-1 in the other group fixture. Malawi, Nigeria and Zambia all finished on six points, but Malawi edged the standings on the tiebreak criteria, while Zambia crashed out of the tournament. Egypt finished bottom of the group after losing all three matches and conceding 15 goals.
Nigeria now head into the quarter-finals chasing a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title. After recovering from a difficult start to the tournament, the Super Falcons will hope their dominant display against Egypt marks the beginning of another championship run in Morocco.
