Super Falcons thrash Egypt to book Quarter-final clash with Cameroun

The Super Falcons of Nigeria returned to action for their third and final Group C fixture of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, taking on the Cleopatras of Egypt in a must-win encounter.

The 10-time African champions came into the match with one objective — victory at all costs.

With Malawi leading the group on six points after two games and Nigeria sitting on three, the Super Falcons needed all three points to secure a place in the quarterfinals.

Head coach Justin Madugu named an attack-minded starting XI, handing Rinsola Babajide and Toni Payne their first starts of the tournament.

Veteran striker Asisat Oshoala led the line, flanked by Folashade Ijamilusi and Babajide.

In midfield, Deborah Abiodun operated as the holding midfielder behind captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Toni Payne.

With Tosin Demehin suspended following her red card against Zambia, Christy Ucheibe partnered the experienced Osinachi Ohale at centre-back, while Shukurat Oladipo and Michelle Alozie occupied the full-back positions.

Chiamaka Nnadozie retained her place in goal.

Egypt started brightly, looking to unsettle the Nigerian defence early on.

However, the Super Falcons soon settled into the contest.

In the 19th minute, Nigeria were awarded a penalty, after, Nour Abdulwahed was adjudged to have handled Asisat Oshoala's goal-bound effort inside the penalty area.

Oshoala stepped up and calmly converted, scoring her 16th career goal at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

The six-time African Women's Footballer of the Year was later forced off with what appeared to be a knock and was replaced by Gift Monday.

The substitute made an immediate impact.

In the first minute of first-half stoppage time, Rinsola Babajide brilliantly skipped past her marker before delivering a low cross for the Washington Spirit forward to tap home Nigeria's second.

The Super Falcons looked set to take a two-goal advantage into the break, but Michelle Alozie was adjudged to have fouled Yasmine in the penalty area.

Nadine Ghazi stepped up and converted from the spot to reduce the deficit before halftime.

Nigeria resumed the second half with the same attacking intent.

Uchenna Kanu replaced Folashade Ijamilusi and wasted little time in making her mark, finishing off another excellent move created by Babajide to restore Nigeria's two-goal cushion.

Three minutes before the 80th-minute mark, the Super Falcons were awarded another penalty after Uchenna Kanu was brought down inside the box following a VAR review.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade handed the ball to Christy Ucheibe, who confidently converted from the spot to make it 4-1.

Egypt, however, refused to go away quietly.

In the 84th minute, Nadine Ghazi grabbed her second goal of the evening after finishing a well-worked cut-back move to catch the Nigerian defence off guard.

The response from the Super Falcons was immediate.

Just a minute later, Nigeria won yet another penalty following another foul inside the box. This time, Ajibade stepped up herself and calmly slotted home to restore the three-goal advantage.

The rout was still not over.

Substitute Joy Omewa completed the scoring with a close-range finish after being picked out by Uchenna Kanu, sealing a comprehensive 6-2 victory for the Super Falcons.

The emphatic win sees Nigeria qualify for the quarterfinals of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations as runners-up in Group C.

What a finish that was!