Nigeria must beat Egypt to keep WAFCON title defence on track

The Super Falcons have insisted they cannot afford any mistakes as they prepare to face Egypt in their final Group C match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with victory required to secure a place in the quarter-finals and keep their title defence alive.

Nigeria’s players say their attention is fixed on defeating the Pharaohs, with the team determined to remain in contention for a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.

There is no room for complacency in the Nigerian camp, nor any intention of underestimating Egypt.

The defending champions began the tournament with a shock defeat by Malawi, a result which threatened to derail their campaign. But they revived their hopes with a courageous 1-0 victory over Zambia, despite playing much of that match with 10 players.

That result restored confidence, although the squad knows qualification is not yet secured.

Monday: focus must remain on victory

Super Falcons forward Gift Monday said everyone connected with the national team had united behind one objective: beating Egypt and continuing Nigeria’s progress in Morocco.

Monday praised the contribution of the players, coaching staff and wider backroom team, saying the entire camp was working tirelessly to keep the Super Falcons’ campaign alive.

The Confederation of African Football has increased the financial rewards for this year’s competition, providing an additional incentive for the participating teams. However, Monday said financial considerations were not driving Nigeria’s ambitions.

For the forward, the priority is to win matches, make the most of important moments and continue progressing one game at a time rather than looking too far ahead.

Competition for places has increased during the tournament, but Monday believes the strength of the squad represents one of Nigeria’s biggest advantages.

She highlighted the readiness of players who have been called upon from the bench, while also pointing to the importance of having options available during a competition in which injuries, suspensions and tactical changes can quickly affect a team’s plans.

Monday said every member of the squad was prepared to step in and perform whenever head coach Justin Madugu required them. Several substitutes have already made valuable contributions during Nigeria’s campaign.

Ohale confident Nigeria can deliver

Veteran defender Osinachi Ohale also expressed confidence before the Egypt match.

The experienced centre-back played an important part in Nigeria’s determined defensive display against Zambia and acknowledged the significance of the final group fixture. She said the players understood exactly what was at stake and that qualification remained within their control.

Ohale promised that the squad would give everything to reach the knockout stages. Nigeria are seeking not only to progress but also to produce a stronger performance than they managed against Zambia.

She said the team would do everything possible to secure victory, continue its defence of the continental crown and deliver its best display of the tournament when it matters most.

Reserve goalkeeper Fatimah Oloko echoed that confidence. Although she has not featured prominently in the competition and may not be included in the starting line-up, Oloko said every player remained ready to contribute if called upon.

She asked supporters in Nigeria to remain patient and continue backing the team, stressing that encouragement from the fans was invaluable as the Super Falcons pursued another continental title.

Oloko said the squad had two ambitions beyond reaching the knockout rounds: qualifying for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup and returning home with the WAFCON trophy once again in Nigerian hands.

Nigeria’s campaign has already swung between disappointment and renewed belief. The defeat by Malawi placed their title defence under serious pressure, before the hard-fought win over Zambia revived their hopes.

Now Egypt stand between the Super Falcons and the quarter-finals. The mood in the camp is confident but not complacent, with the players convinced that their preparation has placed them in the best possible position.

They know the task is simple: beat Egypt, secure a place in the last eight and keep alive their pursuit of an 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.