Falcons Thrash Egypt 6-2 to Reach WAFCON Quarter-Final

Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Egypt 6-2 in a thrilling Group C encounter at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Morocco.

The emphatic victory completed a remarkable recovery for the defending champions, who entered the final group match under pressure following a surprise 3-2 defeat to Malawi in their opening fixture. Although they defeated Zambia 1-0 in their second game, Nigeria still needed a convincing win over Egypt while hoping results elsewhere favoured their qualification hopes.

The Falcons made a dream start when captain Asisat Oshoala converted an early penalty to give Nigeria the lead. Oshoala was later substituted, but her replacement, Gift Monday, extended the advantage deep into the first half to put Nigeria in control.

Egypt responded just before the break after defender Michelle Alozie was penalised for an infringement inside the penalty area. Nadine Ghazi calmly converted the resulting spot-kick to reduce the deficit to 2-1 before halftime.

Nigeria dominated the second half with a series of attacking moves that overwhelmed the Egyptian defence. Substitute Uchenna Kanu capitalised on defensive lapses to score the Falcons’ third goal in the 57th minute, restoring the team’s two-goal cushion.

The pressure continued as Christy Ucheibe converted another penalty to make it 4-1. Egypt refused to surrender, however, with Ghazi scoring her second goal of the match through a well-taken strike that briefly reignited hopes of a comeback.

With qualification still hanging in the balance because of developments in the other Group C fixture, Nigeria regained control through another penalty, this time converted by Rasheedat Ajibade to make it 5-2.

Substitute Joy Omewa completed the rout in stoppage time by scoring Nigeria’s sixth goal, sealing an impressive victory that guaranteed the Super Falcons a place in the knockout stage.

The result saw Nigeria finish second in Group C behind surprise leaders Malawi.

The Super Falcons will now face the winners of Group B, which features Cameroon, Ghana and Mali, as they continue their quest for an 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.