By Stephen Simon
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after defeating Egypt in their final Group C match, securing qualification for the knockout stage of the competition. The victory ensured the nine-time African champions bounced back strongly after an earlier setback in the group stage and kept alive their quest for another continental title.
The Falcons approached the match with determination, knowing that only a positive result would guarantee progress. The team dominated possession for long spells, created several scoring opportunities and produced a disciplined defensive display to deny Egypt any realistic chance of staging an upset.
Head Coach Justin Madugu praised his players for their resilience and composure under pressure, saying the victory reflected the team’s character after recovering from an unexpected defeat earlier in the tournament. He expressed confidence that the squad would continue to improve as the championship enters the knockout phase.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade commended her teammates for their fighting spirit, noting that the team’s focus remains firmly on reclaiming the African title. She urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Falcons as they prepare for what promises to be more difficult matches in the quarter-finals.
With qualification secured, attention now turns to Nigeria’s quarter-final opponents as the race for the continental crown intensifies. Football analysts believe the Falcons remain among the tournament favourites, citing the team’s depth, experience and winning mentality despite the stiff competition from emerging African football nations.
The Super Falcons’ progress has once again boosted hopes among Nigerian football fans, who are eager to see the country’s most successful national team add another WAFCON trophy to its impressive collection. Victory in the quarter-finals would move Nigeria one step closer to a record-extending tenth African title.
