WAFCON 2026: Nigeria thrash Egypt as Babajide strengthens case for quarter-final start

Nigeria booked their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a convincing 6-2 victory over Egypt, while Rinsola Babajide delivered a performance that could earn her another starting role in the quarter-finals.

Asisat Oshoala gave the Super Falcons the lead from the penalty spot before Monday Gift doubled their advantage with a close-range finish.

Egypt reduced the deficit before half-time when Nadine Ghazi converted a penalty, but Nigeria took control after the break and eventually secured an emphatic win.

Uchenna Kanu scored within seconds of being introduced as a substitute, while Christy Ucheibe added Nigeria’s fourth from another penalty.

Ghazi scored again for Egypt with an excellent effort from the edge of the area, but Nigeria finished strongly. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade and substitute Joy Omewa both found the net to complete the victory.

The result confirmed Nigeria’s progress to the knockout phase, although there was concern over the fitness of Oshoala after she was forced to leave the pitch.

Oshoala injury concern

Oshoala had opened the scoring from the penalty spot but could not finish the match, with Monday Gift replacing the former Barcelona striker.

The nature of Oshoala’s injury has not yet been confirmed. Her early departure will nevertheless concern Nigeria, with the Super Falcons now preparing for their quarter-final.

Babajide makes an impact

Babajide was one of Nigeria’s most effective attacking players and justified her selection in the starting XI.

The former Liverpool winger repeatedly threatened Egypt’s compact defence and played an important role in two of Nigeria’s goals.

She made a strong run down the flank before finding Monday Gift, who was left with a straightforward finish for Nigeria’s second goal.

Babajide later created another opportunity for Uchenna Kanu, who scored almost immediately after coming on.

Her contribution has strengthened the case for Babajide to retain her place when Nigeria return for their quarter-final.

Sabry keeps Egypt in the contest

Egypt goalkeeper Habiba Sabry produced an impressive first-half performance despite conceding twice.

She made several important saves to deny Nigeria and helped prevent the scoreline from becoming even more decisive before the interval.

Sabry’s handling and reflexes kept Egypt within reach for much of the opening half, despite the Super Falcons enjoying the greater attacking threat.

Referee decisions cause controversy

The referee was at the centre of several disputed incidents and awarded four penalties during the match.

Nigeria received three spot-kicks, including one before half-time and two after the restart. The penalties played a significant part in the Super Falcons’ comfortable victory.

Egypt were also awarded a penalty after a Video Assistant Referee review concluded that Michelle Alozie had fouled Yassmin Zezo inside the area.

The decision prompted strong protests from the Nigerian bench, who disagreed with the referee’s verdict.

Ghazi provides Egypt’s brightest moment

Despite Egypt’s defeat and elimination, Ghazi was the North Africans’ standout performer.

The midfielder displayed composure in front of goal and scored both of her side’s goals.

She converted Egypt’s late first-half penalty to give her team hope, before producing a superb strike from the edge of the area after the interval.

Her two goals offered brief encouragement against Nigeria, although the Super Falcons’ greater attacking strength ultimately decided the contest.