The Super Falcons of Nigeria and Malawi have reached the quarter finals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 on the back of a 6–2 thrashing of the Cleopatras of Egypt and Zambia's 2–1 victory over the Scorchers.
Going into the all-important match, Nigeria was on the verge of missing the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.
However, they had a favourable head to head result against the Copper Queens of Zambia, who themselves needed a favourable result with at least three goals against Malawi to progress.
Both teams would win their games, but Zambia's failure to win by three goals or more would send Malawi through and allow the Falcons to get over the heartbreak of almost having their title defence scuppered by the Scorchers.
Proceedings started for the Falcons at the Stade Olympique de Rabat with Asisat Oshoala winning and converting a penalty in the 21st minute to score her 16th WAFCON goal and the first of Nigeria's six goals in their match.
She would leave the pitch soon after after coming down with a knock, giving highly-rated striker Gift Monday a rare opportunity to feature for the defending champions.
In the second minute of added time in the first half, Monday would add her name to the score sheet following some heroic work from Omorinsola Babajide, who was getting her first start of the tournament ahead of Uchenna Kanu.
The Cleopatras would pull one back from the penalty spot just before halftime to keep the Falcons on their toes.
Kanu came on in the 56th minute for Folashade Ijamilusi, another change to the starting lineup by coach Justin Madugu, and, with her first touch, scored Nigeria's third of the match following another neat play by Babajide.
Action slowed down to a nail-biting pace for the Nigerian dugout, thanks to the result at the other match involving Zambia and Malawi, until the 87th minute when the Falcons won another penalty following a challenge on Kanu.
Centreback Christy Ucheibe was on hand to slot home Nigeria's fourth, but the joy was cut short two minutes later when Egypt scored their second of the game.
It was tense in the closing moments, but the Falcon's attacks were relentless, and, in the first additional minute of the second half, Michelle Alozie won a penalty, Nigeria's third, which captain Rasheedat Ajibade buried.
The last kick of the game saw Joy Omewa, who replaced Babajide in the 86th minute, score Nigeria's sixth to put the result beyond doubt.
In the end, the Falcons turned their group stage fortunes around with some unwilling help from Zambia who they beat to start their comeback.
They now move into contention for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 places as their participation in the quarter finals guarantees them a place in the mini tournament for the interconfederation playoffs for the tournament, while also drawing closer to an 11th WAFCON title.
Nigeria will take on Cameroon in the quarter finals for a spot in the semis.
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