The match against Egypt was a big decider for Nigeria in the ongoing Women African Cup of Nations (Wafcon) 2026 in Morocco.
It was third time lucky for Nigeria, who once again made their way into the knockout stages of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after losing their opening game, although this time, it was a properly nervy for the 10-time champions.
A convincing 6-2 win over Egypt saw the Super Falcons finish on six points, tied with Malawi and Zambia, but the multiple champions squeaked through in second place by virtue of scoring more goals (3) than Zambia (2) in their three-team mini-league. Malawi won the group by scoring 4 goals in that assessment.
Nigeria found their breakthrough after 20 minutes when Oshoala’s shot was diverted by Nour Abdelwahed’s handball. The forward stepped forward and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to open the scoring for Nigeria.
Substitute Gift Monday, on for the injured Oshoala just before halftime, doubled the advantage. But Egypt won a penalty of their own when Michelle Alozie gave away a foul in the box to Yassmin Mohamed and Nadine Ghazy sent Chiamaka Nnadozie the wrong way. Substitute Uchenna Kanu restored the advantage with her first touch in the second half, and Nigeria then converted back to back penalty kicks, although not before Egypt got themselves a second with an excellent Ghazy strike.
In the end, the 6-2 score was gloss which did little to affect how the teams finished on the standings, but the Super Falcons advanced to the quarterfinal, where they will face familiar foes Cameroon, for a place in the semifinal, and a FIFA Women’s World Cup ticket.
