Nigeria's Super Falcons booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a commanding 6-2 victory over Egypt in their final Group C match on Wednesday. Needing a win to keep their title defence alive, the defending champions produced a dominant display in Rabat, with captain Asisat Oshoala opening the scoring from the penalty spot in the 21st minute after a VAR review confirmed a handball inside the Egyptian box.
Nigeria maintained control throughout the contest, adding further goals to put the game beyond the reach of the North Africans, who were already eliminated from the tournament before the encounter.
Egypt managed two goals with a strike in the 45th and a penalty late in the game, but the Super Falcons responded to seal an emphatic 6-2 win, with Rasheed, Ajibade and Joy Omewa adding gloss to the scoreline with a stoppage-time fifth and sixth.
Speaking after the match, Oshoala praised the team’s response after a difficult start to the tournament, saying, "We knew what was at stake. We stayed together, fought for each other, and got the result we needed.”
Nigeria coach Justine Madugu also hailed his players’ character, saying, "The players showed great determination. We knew we had to win, and they delivered under pressure.”
The victory completed a strong recovery for Nigeria after their surprise opening defeat to Malawi. The Super Falcons bounced back with wins over Zambia and Egypt to secure a place in the knockout stage as they continue their bid for another continental title.
Malawi also celebrated qualification despite falling to a narrow 2-1 defeat against Zambia. The Copper Queens made the perfect start when Barbra Banda fired home from long range inside the opening minute to score her fifth goal of the tournament.
Zambia continued to dominate and doubled their advantage eight minutes before half-time. Margaret Belemu's cutback found Prisca Chilufya, who finished confidently to make it 2-0. Knowing qualification could depend on goal difference, Malawi came out with greater determination after the break. Tabitha Chawinga gave the Scorchers hope in the 72nd minute when she beat two defenders before finishing low past the goalkeeper.
Zambia searched for the goal that could have changed the group standings, and Kabange Mupopo came close late on, only to see her effort strike the woodwork.\ Despite the defeat, Malawi progressed to the quarter-finals and finished top of Group C on the tiebreak criteria after ending level on six points with both Nigeria and Zambia.
