Nigeria’s Group C fate in focus as Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 reaches key stage

The group stage of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 continues on Wednesday, with Nigeria facing Egypt and Malawi meeting Zambia in the decisive third round of Group C fixtures.

Both matches will kick off simultaneously at 20:00 GMT in Rabat, with the four teams seeking to move closer to the quarter-finals. The simultaneous scheduling means the final positions in the group will begin to take shape at the same time, adding significance to both encounters.

Nigeria will play Egypt at the Stade olympique de Rabat, with the Super Falcons entering the match in third place on three points. They need to earn a result to remain in contention before the conclusion of the group stage.

The position leaves Nigeria with little room for error as they attempt to keep their quarter-final hopes alive. Their meeting with Egypt is one of the two fixtures that could help determine which teams progress from Group C, although the final outcome will depend on the results of both games.

In the other match, Group C leaders Malawi will take on Zambia at Stade Al Madina de Rabat. Malawi have collected six points from their opening two matches and could secure top spot with a draw.

That gives the Malawites a clear opportunity to finish first in the section, while Zambia will be aiming to improve their position in the group during the final round of matches. The simultaneous kick-offs will ensure that the decisive moments in both games unfold together.

The Group C fixtures may also settle some of the quarter-final places before the group stage is officially completed. With the final positions still to be decided, Wednesday’s programme represents an important point in the tournament.

The group stage will conclude on Thursday with the final matches in Group D. Those games will decide the remaining teams to qualify for the quarter-finals.

For now, attention is on Rabat, where Nigeria’s meeting with Egypt and Malawi’s contest against Zambia will determine the immediate shape of Group C.

Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 – Wednesday fixtures

– Egypt v Nigeria Stade olympique de Rabat – Malawi v Zambia Stade Al Madina de Rabat