Nigeria Players Abroad
Egypt captain Mahira Ali: Cleopatras ready to challenge Nigeria in WAFCON 2026
Egypt captain Mahira Ali says the Cleopatras will not be intimidated by defending champions Nigeria when the two sides meet in their final Group C fixture at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday night.
Mohammed Jamal’s team enter the match after defeats by Zambia’s Copper Queens and Malawi’s Scorchers, leaving them with a difficult task against the nine-time African champions.
Ali has acknowledged the quality of the Super Falcons but insists Egypt are determined to produce a committed performance and finish their campaign with pride.
“We know Nigeria are one of the strongest teams in Africa, but we want to give a good account of ourselves,” Ali was quoted by CAFonline.
The match will be played at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off scheduled for 9pm Nigerian time.
Egypt will also be seeking to avoid another heavy defeat against Nigeria at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The teams have met only once previously in the competition, with the Super Falcons recording an 8-0 victory at the 1998 edition.
That result remains the most significant part of the sides’ history at the tournament, but Ali says Egypt’s players are fully motivated to respond positively to the challenge posed by the reigning champions.
The Cleopatras’ two defeats by Zambia and Malawi have put added importance on their final Group C match. However, their captain believes the squad can still show determination against one of Africa’s leading women’s football nations.
Nigeria’s status as defending champions and nine-time African champions makes them formidable opponents, while Egypt will be hoping to produce a performance that reflects their own ambition despite the difficult circumstances.
Jamal’s side will now prepare for a contest in which they must cope with the Super Falcons’ experience and pedigree. For Ali and her team-mates, the objective is to compete strongly, avoid a repeat of the 1998 result and leave the tournament with their heads held high.
The Group C fixture will take place on Wednesday night at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. It will begin at 9pm Nigerian time.
