Nigeria’s Super Falcons praised for battling into WAFCON quarter-finals

Former Nigeria international Oladimeji Lawal has praised the Super Falcons for showing character as they secured a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a convincing 6-2 victory over Egypt in Morocco.

Nigeria responded strongly after suffering a 3-2 defeat by Malawi in their opening game of the tournament. Their wins over Zambia and Egypt ensured they advanced to the knockout stages, with Lawal highlighting the players’ resilience during their recovery.

The Super Falcons took control of the game against Egypt when Asisat Oshoala converted a penalty in the 21st minute. Gift Monday then extended Nigeria’s lead before Egypt pulled one goal back from the spot deep into first-half stoppage time.

Nigeria restored their authority immediately after the interval. Uchenna Kanu scored shortly after the restart before Christy Ucheibe converted another penalty to put the Super Falcons 4-1 ahead.

Egypt were awarded a second penalty, which Nadine Ghazi dispatched to reduce the deficit again. Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade then scored from the spot to make it 5-2, while Joy Omewa completed the emphatic victory deep into stoppage time.

Lawal said the result reflected the fighting spirit within the squad and praised the players for recovering from their opening defeat.

“I must commend the Super Falcons for their fight back to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament after going down 3-2 in their opening game against Malawi.

“Beating Zambia and Egypt shows the fighting spirit within the players, and I am delighted that they are through to the next round.”

Nigeria’s emphatic scoreline was enough to confirm their progress to the next stage, after the players understood that a comfortable win against Egypt would secure qualification.

“The players are aware that a comfortable win over Egypt will be enough to book their place in the next round, and the team just did that as expected,” Lawal said.

The former international also urged the coaching staff to use the qualification as an opportunity to address weaknesses before the quarter-finals.

“With qualification secured, the coach must still identify those areas that he can improve upon so as to avoid any lapses in the team.”

The Super Falcons will now turn their attention to the knockout phase after ending the group stage with consecutive victories over Zambia and Egypt. Their 6-2 win completed a strong response to the setback against Malawi and secured their place among the teams competing for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.