Key Takeaways
- Nigeria's Super Falcons triumphed over Egypt with a score of 6-2.
- Asisat Oshoala was instrumental, scoring early and causing penalties.
- The match featured a total of four penalties awarded by the referee.
- Nigeria will meet the winner of Group D, likely Cameroon, in the quarter-finals.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have made a resounding statement in the women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 by clinching a place in the quarter-finals after a commanding 6-2 victory against Egypt. Led by the capable Justin Madugu, the Nigerian squad showcased their prowess, capitalizing on three crucial penalty kicks throughout the match, exemplifying their dominance on the field.
Asisat Oshoala, a celebrated forward and six-time African Player of the Year, was pivotal in the early stages, finding the net first via a penalty awarded after a VAR review deemed an Egyptian player committed a handball in the area. Oshoala's opening goal came as no surprise, given her form, marking her second goal in consecutive matches of the tournament.
However, in a dramatic turn, Oshoala had to leave the game due to injury, paving the way for Gift Monday. With remarkable timing, Monday doubled Nigeria's lead just before halftime, further solidifying their command over the match.
As the first half drew to a close, Egypt leveraged a VAR-awarded penalty, allowing Nadine Ghazi to convert and provide her team with a ray of hope heading into the break. Despite this setback, Nigeria quickly restored their momentum.
In the second half, Uchenna Kanu, introduced as a substitute, made an immediate impact by scoring with her very first touch. The thrilling encounter continued with late drama, resulting in a total of eight goals between the two teams.
Nigeria garnered two additional penalties, expertly converted by Christy Ucheibe and captain Raheedat Ajibade. Ghazi added another goal for Egypt, but Joy Omewa sealed the match for Nigeria deep into injury time, ensuring the Super Falcons' remarkable six-goal performance against their rivals.
With this win, Nigeria finished Group C with six points from three matches, standing alongside Malawi and Zambia, but securing second place due to goal differential in head-to-head results. As they prepare for their next challenge, Nigeria will face the winner of Group D. Current expectations indicate that they may encounter Cameroon in the quarter-finals, set for August 9 at the Larbi Zaouli stadium in Casablanca.
Why This Matters
This impressive victory highlights Nigeria’s strong position in women's football on the African continent, underscoring their ambition to reclaim the WAFCON title. As they head into the knockout stages, the Super Falcons will aim to build on this momentum and continue their quest for glory.