WAFCON 2026: Nigeria thrash Egypt to book quarter-final place as Zambia crash out

Nigeria kept their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title defence alive with a dominant 6-2 victory over Egypt on Wednesday, securing a place in the quarter-finals alongside group winners Malawi.

The Super Falcons headed into their final Group C match under pressure after an opening defeat to Malawi, and a narrow victory over Zambia left little margin for error.

But Nigeria responded with an impressive attacking display in Rabat, scoring three goals in each half to book their place in the knockout stages and revive hopes of retaining the continental crown.

Super Falcons overwhelm Egypt

Asisat Oshoala gave Nigeria the lead from the penalty spot in the 21st minute before Gift Monday doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time after being played through by Rinsola Babajide.

Egypt reduced the deficit moments later when Nadine Ghazi converted a penalty deep into added time, but Nigeria regained control after the break.

Uchenna Kanu extended the lead before Christy Ucheibe, Rasheedat Ajibade and Joy Omewa all found the net as the Super Falcons produced their most clinical performance of the tournament.

Ghazi grabbed her second goal in the 84th minute, but Egypt were unable to prevent a third successive defeat.

Malawi top group as Zambia bow out

Nigeria’s emphatic victory was not enough to secure first place in Group C, with Malawi claiming top spot after a 2-1 win over Zambia in the other match played simultaneously.

All three sides finished on six points, but Malawi topped the standings on the tournament’s tiebreak criteria, while Nigeria advanced as runners-up.

Zambia, despite winning two of their three matches, suffered a painful exit from the competition.

The Copper Queens were eliminated even though they finished with a superior goal difference, as head-to-head results between the tied teams determined the final standings.

Egypt finished bottom of the group after losing all three matches and conceding 15 goals.

Nigeria rediscover momentum

After a difficult start to the competition, Nigeria will take confidence from a performance that showcased the attacking quality that has made them Africa’s most successful women’s team.

The Super Falcons may not yet have reached their best form, but their emphatic victory over Egypt has restored belief ahead of the quarter-finals.

With their scoring touch rediscovered and their title defence still alive, Nigeria now turn their attention to the knockout rounds, where the challenge will only become tougher.