WAFCON 2026: Nigeria reach knockout stage after six-goal win over Egypt

Nigeria secured their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a convincing 6-2 victory over Egypt, with Rinsola Babajide strengthening her case for a starting place in the quarter-finals.

Former Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Monday Gift doubled the Super Falcons’ lead with a close-range finish.

Egypt reduced the deficit shortly before half-time when Nadine Ghazi converted a penalty, but Nigeria took control after the interval. Uchenna Kanu scored within seconds of entering the match as a substitute, while Christy Ucheibe added Nigeria’s fourth from another spot-kick.

Ghazi scored again for Egypt, but Nigeria finished the match strongly. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade and substitute Joy Omewa both found the net to complete an emphatic victory.

Here are five key points from the match.

Oshoala injury raises concern

Nigeria’s victory was tempered by a potential injury concern involving Oshoala.

The experienced forward had given the Super Falcons the lead from the penalty spot in the first half, but she was unable to continue and was replaced by Monday Gift.

The precise nature of Oshoala’s injury has not been confirmed. Her early departure, however, could raise questions over her availability for Nigeria’s quarter-final, depending on the severity of the problem.

Babajide makes a strong case

Babajide made the most of her opportunity in the starting XI with an influential attacking performance.

The former Liverpool winger repeatedly caused problems for an Egypt defence that attempted to remain compact, and she played a major part in two of Nigeria’s goals.

For the second, Babajide drove forward down the flank before delivering the pass that allowed Monday Gift to finish from close range. She was involved again after the break when she set up Kanu, who scored almost immediately after coming on.

Babajide was substituted in the second half, but her contribution will give the coaching staff plenty to consider before the quarter-finals. She has provided a strong argument for retaining her place in the starting line-up.

Sabry keeps Egypt in contention

Egypt goalkeeper Habiba Sabry produced an excellent first-half display, despite conceding twice.

She made several important saves as Nigeria built up pressure and helped prevent the Super Falcons from establishing an even bigger advantage before the interval.

Sabry’s interventions kept Egypt within reach for much of the opening period, even though Nigeria carried the greater attacking threat.

Referee decisions cause controversy

The referee was at the centre of a number of contentious moments, with four penalties awarded during the match.

Nigeria received three spot-kicks one before half-time and two after the restart and those decisions made a significant contribution to their comfortable win.

Egypt were also awarded a penalty after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review. Michelle Alozie was judged to have fouled Yassmin Zezo inside the area.

The decision led to strong protests from the Nigerian bench, who clearly disagreed with the referee’s interpretation of the incident.

Ghazi shines despite Egypt’s defeat

Ghazi was Egypt’s outstanding player, scoring both of her side’s goals.

The midfielder showed composure from the penalty spot late in the first half to give Egypt hope. After the break, she added a second with an impressive strike from the edge of the area.

Her two goals offered Egypt brief encouragement, but they could not prevent the North Africans from being eliminated as Nigeria pressed on to seal a place in the knockout phase.