Nigeria Thrash Egypt 6-2 to Reach WAFCON Quarter-finals

Nigeria produced their most convincing display of the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, brushing aside Egypt 6-2 to seal a place in the quarter-finals and keep their title defense alive.

Needing victory to avoid an early exit after a disappointing start to the tournament, the Super Falcons delivered an emphatic response at the Rabat Olympic Stadium, scoring six goals in a dominant attacking performance that secured qualification alongside group winners Malawi.

Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring from the penalty spot midway through the first half before Gift Monday doubled Nigeria’s advantage in first-half stoppage time. Although Nadine Ghazi converted a late penalty to give Egypt hope before the interval, Nigeria completely took over after the restart.

Uchenna Kanu restored the two-goal cushion before Christy Ucheibe, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Joy Omewa all added their names to the scoresheet, with Ghazi’s second goal for Egypt proving nothing more than a consolation.

Falcons rise to the occasion

The defending champions entered the encounter under pressure after suffering a surprise defeat to Malawi in their opening match before edging Zambia in their second outing. Anything short of victory against Egypt would have left their qualification hopes hanging in the balance.

Nigeria settled quickly and were rewarded in the 21st minute when Oshoala calmly dispatched a penalty to hand the Falcons the lead.

Their attacking intent continued throughout the opening half, and Rinsola Babajide, who was a constant threat down the flank, provided the assist for Monday to make it 2-0 deep into added time.

Egypt, however, refused to disappear quietly. Ghazi converted from the spot late in first-half stoppage time to reduce the deficit and briefly raise hopes of an upset.

Nigeria take complete control

Any thoughts of an Egyptian comeback were quickly extinguished after the break.

Babajide registered her second assist of the evening when she picked out Kanu, who finished confidently to restore Nigeria’s two-goal advantage.

The Super Falcons continued to dominate possession and create chances, eventually earning another penalty that Ucheibe converted to make it four.

Egypt responded through Ghazi, who completed her brace after combining with Yasmin Hassanin, but Nigeria never looked threatened.

Instead, the Falcons finished the contest in emphatic fashion.

Ajibade converted yet another penalty during stoppage time before turning provider moments later, setting up Omewa to complete the scoring and cap an outstanding attacking display.

Quarter-final spot secured

The convincing victory ensured Nigeria progressed to the knockout stage after recovering from their difficult opening defeat.

Elsewhere, Malawi defeated Zambia 2-1 to finish top of Group C, while Zambia’s campaign came to an unexpected end despite recording two victories during the group stage. Egypt exited the tournament without a point after losing all three matches.

For Nigeria, the result could prove a turning point. After beginning the competition with uncertainty, the Super Falcons have now pieced together consecutive victories, rediscovered their attacking fluency, and head into the quarter-finals with renewed confidence.

Their response has kept the dream of another continental title alive, but the challenges only become tougher from here.