Super Falcons battle Egypt for WAFCON quarter-final ticket

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will aim to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) when they take on Egypt in their final Group C match on Wednesday in Rabat, Morocco.

The 10-time African champions revived their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia after suffering a surprise 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in their opening game.

Another win against Egypt would take Nigeria to six points, although qualification could also depend on the outcome of the other Group C fixture between Malawi and Zambia.

Despite Egypt losing 6-0 to Zambia and 3-1 to Malawi in their opening two matches, Nigeria are expected to approach the game with caution as they seek a place in the knockout stage.

Head coach Justine Madugu will be without defender Oluwatosin Demehin and midfielder Jennifer Echegini, both suspended for the decisive encounter.

Demehin was sent off during the victory over Zambia after bringing down Barbra Banda when the striker was through on goal, while Echegini accumulated two yellow cards in Nigeria’s opening two matches.

Christy Ucheibe, who impressed after replacing Demehin in central defence against Zambia, is expected to partner veteran defender Osinachi Ohale. Toni Payne is likely to feature in midfield alongside captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Halimatu Ayinde.

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In attack, Asisat Oshoala, whose early strike secured victory over Zambia, could once again lead the line, with Uchenna Kanu pushing for a starting role after scoring off the bench against Malawi.

Malawi top Group C with six points, while Nigeria and Zambia have three points each. Egypt are bottom of the group without a point.

If Nigeria defeat Egypt and Zambia also overcome Malawi, all three teams will finish on six points. In that scenario, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) will apply its competition regulations, including head-to-head results, goal difference and other tiebreakers, to determine the two teams that advance to the quarter-finals.

A positive result against Egypt would keep Nigeria’s hopes alive as the Super Falcons continue their pursuit of a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.