Nigeria thrash Egypt 6-2 to reach WAFCON 2026 quarter-finals

Nigeria secured their place in the WAFCON 2026 quarter-finals with an emphatic 6-2 victory over Egypt in their final Group C match at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.

The Super Falcons had to recover from a 3-2 defeat by Malawi in their opening game, but their latest win ensured they overturned that setback and advanced to the knockout stage.

Eight goals were scored in a one-sided contest in terms of attacking output, although Nigeria were not entirely convincing defensively and could have faced a more difficult test if Egypt had been more clinical.

Oshoala strikes before injury

Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 21st minute after winning a penalty. The Al-Hilal striker calmly sent her spot-kick into the top corner to give the record WAFCON champions an early advantage.

However, Oshoala was unable to continue for long. She was withdrawn 20 minutes after scoring because of injury concerns, with Gift Monday introduced in her place.

Monday made an immediate impact, finding the net soon after coming on and strengthening Nigeria’s control of the match.

Egypt responded just before half-time when Nadine Ghazi converted after a penalty was awarded against Alozie. Ghazi later scored again in the 84th minute, but Egypt could not keep pace with Nigeria’s attack.

Uchenna Kanu and Joy Omewa both scored from open play, while Christy Ucheibe and Rasheedat Ajibade converted penalties as Nigeria completed a six-goal performance.

Defensive concerns remain

Nigeria’s route to the knockout stage has included resilience as well as goals. They recovered from their opening loss to Malawi by beating Zambia despite playing with 10 players, before completing the group campaign with a routine victory over Egypt.

Zambia, despite collecting six points, were eliminated in the group stage. Their defeat by Nigeria ultimately cost them a place in the knockout rounds and, consequently, a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Even in victory, Nigeria showed vulnerabilities. Egypt had scored only once in the tournament before facing the Super Falcons, yet managed to score twice against them. That result suggests that some communication problems in Nigeria’s defence have not been fully resolved.

With the knockout stage approaching, further mistakes could end Nigeria’s tournament or cost them a place at the World Cup. The margin for error will be smaller against stronger opponents.

Kanu making a case to start

Justine Madugu has continued to use Florence Ijamilusi on the flank, a decision that limits the forward’s influence because she prefers to move into central areas.

Kanu, by contrast, can play on either wing and has offered a significant threat when introduced from the bench. She helped Nigeria recover against Malawi and again changed the game against Egypt.

The attacker scored soon after entering the field and later won the penalty that Ucheibe converted. Her influence from the bench has been clear, and her performances raise questions about whether she should be included in the starting line-up against tougher opposition.

If Nigeria are to progress deep into WAFCON 2026, risky tactical decisions will need to produce results. Kanu’s recent contribution gives Madugu a strong reason to consider starting her in the next round.

Payne adds control in midfield

Nigeria’s midfield selection was ineffective in the opening match against Malawi, while the red card against Zambia made it difficult for the Super Falcons to build through the centre of the pitch.

The presence of Toni Payne has provided another route forward. The Inter Milan midfielder linked Nigeria’s defence with its attack and displayed her technical quality throughout the match.

Payne repeatedly moved into the half-spaces, received the ball on the half-turn and created a number of chances. Her ability to connect the different areas of the team could become increasingly important as Nigeria move into the knockout stages.

The Super Falcons now have the attacking power to challenge the best teams in the competition, but their defensive concentration and midfield balance will be tested more severely in the quarter-finals.