By Chiemeka Ugwowo
WAFCON 2026: Super Falcons Demolish Egypt 6-2, Advance to Quarterfinals as Zambia Knock Out Malawi
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have secured a place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a dominant 6-2 victory over Egypt in their final Group C fixture in Morocco.
The Egyptians began the encounter brightly, creating the first chance of the game, but Nigeria quickly settled into the contest and took the lead through a penalty.
Six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, stepped up and confidently converted from the spot, sending goalkeeper Habiba the wrong way to put the defending champions ahead.
The Falcons extended their advantage before the break when Mandai reacted quickest inside the box to finish from a corner, giving Nigeria a comfortable 2-0 lead.
Egypt reduced the deficit moments before halftime after earning a penalty of their own, with Ghazi converting to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Nigeria returned stronger after the restart and continued to punish Egypt’s defensive lapses. Another penalty was awarded to the Super Falcons, and Christy Ucheibe made no mistake from 12 yards to restore their two-goal cushion.
Ajibade later converted yet another spot kick to take Nigeria’s tally to five, before the Falcons sealed a memorable night in Rabat with a sixth goal in stoppage time to complete a commanding 6-2 win.
The victory confirmed Nigeria’s place in the quarterfinals and kept their ambition of retaining the African title firmly alive.
In the other crucial Group C encounter, Zambia defeated Malawi 2-1 to join Nigeria in the knockout stage.
Zambia captain Barbra Banda opened the scoring with a powerful strike that found the back of the net, while Chilufya doubled the lead with a superb finish.
Malawi responded through Temwa Chawinga, who pulled one back to set up a tense finish, but Zambia held on despite late pressure, including an effort that struck the crossbar.
The result sent Zambia through to the quarterfinals, while Malawi’s WAFCON campaign ended in the group stage.
