Defending champions Nigeria produced their most dominant display of the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday, defeating Egypt 6-2 to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
The Super Falcons entered their final Group C fixture under pressure after a shock opening 3-2 defeat to Malawi and a narrow 1-0 victory over Zambia. However, Justine Madugu’s side responded with a clinical attacking performance at the Rabat Olympic Stadium to book a place in the knockout stage.
Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 21st minute before Gift Monday doubled Nigeria’s lead in first-half stoppage time after a fine assist from Rinsola Babajide.
Egypt pulled one back through Nadine Ghazi’s penalty deep into first-half added time to reduce the deficit to 2-1 at the break.
Nigeria regained control after the interval as Babajide set up Uchenna Kanu for the third goal in the 57th minute, while Christy Ucheibe converted another penalty in the 81st minute to make it 4-1.
Although Ghazi scored her second goal for Egypt three minutes later, Rasheedat Ajibade restored Nigeria’s three-goal advantage from the penalty spot before providing the assist for Joy Omewa, who completed the rout in stoppage time.
The emphatic victory completed Nigeria’s remarkable recovery from their opening defeat, with successive wins over Zambia and Egypt earning the Super Falcons six points and a place in the last eight.
Despite Nigeria’s convincing win, Malawi finished top of Group C after edging Zambia 2-1 in the other group match. Malawi, Nigeria and Zambia all ended the group stage on six points, with Malawi claiming first place on the tiebreak criteria. Zambia were eliminated, while Egypt exited the tournament without a point after losing all three matches.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to the quarter-finals as they continue their quest for a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
