Nigeria’s Super Falcons swept aside Egypt 6-2 in a thrilling Group C finale on Wednesday night in Rabat, sealing a place in the quarter finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and setting up a heavyweight last eight clash with Cameroon.
The emphatic victory completed a remarkable turnaround for the defending champions, who responded to their shock opening defeat against tournament debutants Malawi by winning their final two group matches to keep their dream of an 11th continental title alive.
Just a week ago, the Super Falcons were staring at the prospect of an unprecedented group stage exit after that stunning loss to Malawi cast serious doubt over their title defence.
Justine Madugu’s side responding first by grinding out a courageous 1-0 victory over Zambia while playing with 10 women before delivering an attacking masterclass against the Pharaohs when everything was on the line. Now, another African heavyweight awaits.
Nigeria will face old rivals Cameroon in the quarter-finals on August 9 at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, with a place in the last four and another step towards World Cup qualification at stake.
Champions respond when the pressure is greatest
Nigeria entered the contest knowing there would be no margin for error.
Victory was the only acceptable outcome after Malawi’s win had complicated the Group C standings, leaving the Super Falcons needing all three points to keep their title defence alive.
Madugu responded by naming one of his most attack minded line ups of the tournament and the changes immediately transformed Nigeria’s approach.
Rinsola Babajide stretched Egypt’s defence with direct running, Toni Payne added creativity in midfield, while captain Rasheedat Ajibade dictated the tempo alongside the ever dangerous Asisat Oshoala.
Egypt started brightly but gradually lost control as Nigeria’s pressing became more coordinated and their attacking combinations more fluid.
Oshoala reaches another milestone
The breakthrough arrived in the 21st minute after Nour Abdulwahed handled Oshoala’s effort inside the penalty area, the referee pointed to the spot.
The six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year made no mistake.
Her composed finish not only gave Nigeria the lead but also marked her 16th career Women’s Africa Cup of Nations goal, further strengthening one of the greatest scoring records in the competition’s history.
There was concern shortly afterwards when Oshoala was forced off through injury. Her replacement ensured the momentum never disappeared.
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Gift Monday needed only minutes to justify her introduction.
The move began with Babajide, whose dazzling footwork carried her beyond her marker before she delivered a perfectly weighted low cross.
Monday arrived on cue to tap home Nigeria’s second goal deep into first half stoppage time.
Egypt threatened to make the contest interesting before the interval when Nadine Ghazi converted from the penalty spot after Michelle Alozie was penalised inside the box.
Instead of creating panic, the goal merely delayed Nigeria’s dominance.
Second half a make or break that buried Egypt
If the opening period hinted at Nigeria’s superiority, the second half confirmed it.
Madugu introduced Uchenna Kanu after the restart and the striker immediately justified the decision.
Another incisive move orchestrated by Babajide ended with Kanu calmly finishing to restore Nigeria’s two-goal advantage.
The defending champions now controlled every aspect of the contest.
Their midfield recycled possession with confidence, the full backs continued to push high, while Egypt increasingly struggled to contain wave after wave of Nigerian attacks.
VAR again influenced proceedings when Kanu was brought down inside the area.
Captain Ajibade selflessly handed penalty duties to Christy Ucheibe, who confidently dispatched Nigeria’s fourth goal.
Although Ghazi grabbed her second of the night to briefly reduce the deficit, there would be no late drama.
Ajibade converted another penalty after yet another foul inside the area before substitute Joy Omewa completed the scoring in stoppage time, putting the finishing touch on a performance that reflected Nigeria’s attacking depth and ruthless efficiency.
The reward is a quarter final meeting with one of African football’s fiercest rivals.
Cameroon have built a reputation for frustrating Nigeria on the continental stage, with previous meetings often decided by narrow margins.
Unlike Egypt, the Indomitable Lionesses will present a far sterner examination.
