WAFCON 2026: Udeze urges Super Falcons to raise their game after Egypt win

Former Nigeria international Ifeanyi Udeze has called on the Super Falcons to improve their performances after they reached the WAFCON 2026 quarter-finals with a 6-2 victory over Egypt.

Nigeria secured their place in the last eight by producing a commanding result in their final Group C match on Wednesday. However, despite the emphatic scoreline and progression to the knockout stage, Udeze believes the reigning champions have yet to display the level expected of them.

The Super Falcons’ goals came through Asisat Oshoala, who converted a penalty, Gift Monday, Uchenna Kanu, Christy Ucheibe, also from the penalty spot, and Joy Omewa.

Their win confirmed qualification for the quarter-finals, but their overall displays during the group stage have raised concerns. The performances have been viewed as unconvincing, even though the team successfully achieved its immediate objective of advancing to the knockout rounds.

Udeze, speaking on BRILA FM after the victory over Egypt, said the players must show greater determination when they face stronger opposition.

“Falcons need to step up and wake up because the way they’ve been playing I’ve not seen the Super falcons that we know. We all saw how they qualified for the quarterfinals so for me I think they just have to step up.

“I’ve not seen that zeal and hunger to win and now they are in the quarterfinals and will face Cameroon so they need to do more.”

The former Nigeria international’s assessment comes after a result that appeared convincing on paper but did not completely remove doubts about the team’s form. Nigeria will now turn their attention to Cameroon, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.

Udeze’s warning is centred on the need for the Super Falcons to match their progress in the competition with a more authoritative style of play. Although the win against Egypt delivered the points and goals required to secure their quarter-final berth, he said the team must raise its standards for the next stage.

The Super Falcons entered the final Group C fixture knowing that their performance would determine whether they moved on to the last eight. They responded with a six-goal display against Egypt, with Oshoala, Monday, Kanu, Ucheibe and Omewa among the players on the scoresheet.

That result ensured the reigning champions continued their WAFCON 2026 campaign, but Udeze believes their work has become more demanding now that they are in the knockout phase. He said the players need to rediscover the energy, desire and competitive edge associated with the team.

Nigeria’s quarter-final against Cameroon will therefore provide the next opportunity for the Super Falcons to demonstrate whether they can convert their qualification into a stronger tournament performance.

By James Agberebi