GistReel
Nigeria’s Super Falcons produced a ruthless attacking performance to defeat Egypt 6-2 and secure a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday.
After bouncing back from their opening defeat with a win over Zambia, Justine Madugu’s side needed another positive result to guarantee progression from Group C. They responded in spectacular fashion with six different goalscorers contributing to one of the tournament’s most entertaining matches.
Nigeria broke the deadlock in the 21st minute after the referee awarded a penalty following a VAR review for handball. Veteran striker Asisat Oshoala calmly converted from the spot to score her second goal of the competition.
The Super Falcons doubled their advantage just before half-time when substitute Gift Monday, who replaced the injured Oshoala in the 40th minute, found the net in stoppage time after being played through on goal.
Nigeria’s attack overwhelms Egypt
Egypt reduced the deficit moments later after Nadine Ghazi converted a penalty awarded for a foul by Michelle Alozie, sending the teams into the break with Nigeria leading 2-1.
The Super Falcons regained control in the second half as Rinsola Babajide continued her impressive creative showing by setting up substitute Uchenna Kanu, who fired home with her first touch in the 57th minute to restore Nigeria’s two-goal cushion.
Another VAR review handed Nigeria a second penalty after Kanu was brought down inside the box. Christy Ucheibe made no mistake from the spot in the 80th minute to extend the lead to 4-1.
Super Falcons march into knockout stage
Ghazi scored her second goal of the night four minutes later to give Egypt brief hope, but Nigeria finished strongly.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a third penalty in stoppage time after another VAR decision before Joy Omewa added a sixth goal deep into added time to complete a dominant 6-2 victory.
The win sealed Nigeria’s place in the quarter-finals, with the Super Falcons finishing second in Group C behind Zambia, who defeated Malawi 2-1 to top the group.
The defending champions will now shift their attention to the knockout stage as they continue their quest for a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.