By Tomiwa Jagunna
Nigeria responded to their critics with a commanding 6-2 victory over Egypt at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca to book their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The breakthrough came in the 21st minute when Asisat Oshoala calmly converted a VAR-awarded penalty before Gift Monday doubled Nigeria’s advantage deep into first-half stoppage time. Egypt reduced the deficit through Nadine Ghazi from the penalty spot before the break, but the Falcons took complete control after the restart. Uchenna Kanu made it 3-1 in the 57th minute before Christy Ucheibe converted another penalty with nine minutes remaining.
Ghazi struck again for Egypt in the 84th minute, but Nigeria had the final say as Rashidat Ajibade scored from the spot in stoppage time before providing the assist for Joy Omewa, who completed an emphatic 6-2 victory in the 94th minute.
Faced with the pressure of needing both a victory and a healthy goal difference, Nigeria responded like champions. Their intensity, movement and ruthless finishing reflected the standards that have defined the Super Falcons for decades, sending a strong statement to the rest of the tournament.
The dominant display was a timely reminder of why Nigeria are 11-time African champions and reinforced their credentials as serious contenders for another continental crown.
