Nigeria Survives the Drama, Eliminates Egypt, and Reaches the WAFCON 2026 Quarterfinals

Nigeria produced one of the most dramatic matches of the WAFCON 2026, defeating Egypt 6-2 in a game where qualification changed hands several times because of what was happening simultaneously in the Zambia vs. Malawi match. In the end, the defending champions booked their place in the knockout stage, finished second in Group C, and kept their title defense alive.

From the opening whistle, both teams knew exactly what was at stake. Egypt needed nothing short of a miracle to qualify, while Nigeria had to win and rely on goal difference to secure a place in the quarterfinals.

A Tense First Half

The Pharaohs controlled possession during the opening minutes, knowing they needed to attack from the start. However, Nigeria absorbed the early pressure before taking control through quick counterattacks.

In the 14th minute, Michelle Alozie tested the Egyptian defense with a powerful long-range strike, signaling Nigeria's growing confidence.

Four minutes later came the first major turning point. Following a VAR review for a handball by Nour Abdelwahed after a shot from Asisat Oshoala, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. The Nigerian star made no mistake, giving the Super Falcons a 1-0 lead.

Even with the advantage, news from the other Group C match kept the pressure on the defending champions. Zambia continued extending its lead over Malawi, meaning Nigeria still needed more goals to guarantee qualification.

In the 39th minute, the Super Falcons suffered a major setback when Asisat Oshoala was forced off with an injury, reducing Nigeria's attacking threat at a crucial stage of the match.

The response came just before halftime. In the 45th minute, substitute Gift Monday finished off an excellent run and assist from Rinsola Babajide to double Nigeria's lead and temporarily move the defending champions into the qualifying places.

But the drama was far from over. Deep into first-half stoppage time, VAR reviewed a challenge on Yasmine Mohamed Zezo and awarded a penalty to Egypt. Nadine Ghazi calmly converted from the spot to cut the deficit and completely change the mood heading into halftime.

Qualification Changed Hands Repeatedly

The second half delivered even more drama.

Just seconds after coming onto the field, Uchenna Kanu tapped home another brilliant assist from Rinsola Babajide in the 56th minute, restoring Nigeria's two-goal advantage and moving the defending champions back into second place in the group.

That sense of relief lasted only briefly.

As goals continued to be scored in the Zambia vs. Malawi match, the live Group C standings changed repeatedly, with qualification swinging from one team to another throughout the evening.

In the 76th minute, VAR reviewed a foul inside the penalty area on Uchenna Kanu. Referee Aline Umutoni awarded the penalty, and Christy Ucheibe confidently converted to once again push Nigeria into the quarterfinal places.

Just when it seemed the defending champions had finally secured qualification, Egypt struck back. In the 83rd minute, Nadine Ghazi completed her brace with a superb first-time finish inside the far post, once again throwing the group into chaos and briefly putting Malawi back in a qualifying position.

The Super Falcons refused to panic. Five minutes later, another VAR review resulted in a penalty after a handball by Habiba Yehia. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, stepped up and calmly converted, scoring the goal that ultimately sent Nigeria through.

There was still time for one final strike. In the 98th minute, Joy Omewa Ogochukwu finished off a swift counterattack after an assist from Ajibade, sealing the emphatic 6-2 victory.

Meanwhile, Zambia's 2-1 win over Malawi officially eliminated the Flames despite their remarkable tournament. Nigeria, however, survived an unforgettable night full of twists and emotions, finished second in Group C, and will now face Cameroon in what promises to be one of the standout quarterfinal matches of the WAFCON 2026.