Nigeria’s Super Falcons face Egypt in a crucial Group C encounter at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday, knowing victory is essential to keep their title defence and quarter-final hopes alive.
The defending champions enter the final group game in second position with three points, behind leaders Malawi, who have six points. Zambia also have three points, while Egypt are bottom without a point after two matches.
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The Super Falcons began their campaign with a disappointing 3-2 defeat to WAFCON debutants Malawi before recovering with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia, courtesy of Asisat Oshoala’s early goal.
That victory moved Nigeria ahead of Zambia on the head-to-head tiebreaker, despite the Copper Queens having a superior goal difference.
Must-Win Battle for Nigeria
Nigeria know exactly what is required against Egypt: win the match.
A victory would take Justin Madugu’s side to six points and give them a strong chance of reaching the quarter-finals.
However, the Super Falcons’ qualification will not be entirely in their hands if Zambia defeat Malawi in the other Group C match.
If Nigeria beat Egypt and Malawi avoid defeat against Zambia, the Super Falcons will finish in the top two and qualify for the quarter-finals.
But if Zambia beat Malawi, all three teams — Nigeria, Zambia and Malawi — would finish on six points. In that situation, the competition’s three-team head-to-head tiebreaker will determine which two sides progress.
That makes the simultaneous Malawi-Zambia fixture just as important to Nigerian supporters as the Falcons’ own match.
Egypt Have Nothing to Lose
Egypt may be bottom of the group, but they cannot be underestimated.
The North Africans suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat to Zambia in their opening game before losing 3-0 to Malawi.
They are therefore already eliminated from the quarter-final race, but will be looking to end their WAFCON return with a positive result.
Nigeria, meanwhile, cannot afford complacency.
Egypt’s defensive approach could force the Falcons to be patient, while Nigeria’s attacking players will be expected to break down a side with nothing left to lose.
Team News
Nigeria will be without defender Oluwatosin Demehin, who is suspended after receiving a red card against Zambia.
Midfielder Jennifer Echegini is also suspended after accumulating yellow cards in Nigeria’s first two matches.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Michelle Alozie and Esther Okoronkwo are among the players expected to play important roles as Nigeria chase the result they need.
Oshoala will be one to watch after scoring the decisive goal against Zambia.
The WAFCON legend has now scored five WAFCON goals in eight appearances since making her tournament debut in 2018.
Goalkeeper Nnadozie will also be crucial, having kept five clean sheets in nine WAFCON appearances since her tournament debut in 2022.
Nigeria vs Egypt: Match Details
Competition: 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations – Group C
Fixture: Egypt vs Nigeria
Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Venue: Stade Olympique de Rabat, Morocco
Kick-off: 9:00 p.m. Nigerian time (WAT)
Other Group C match: Malawi vs Zambia
Kick-off: 9:00 p.m. WAT
The official CAF fixture schedule confirms both Group C matches will be played simultaneously in Rabat.
How to Watch Egypt vs Nigeria
Nigerian fans can follow the Super Falcons’ decisive WAFCON encounter through AfroSport, an accredited broadcaster of the tournament in Nigeria.
The match is also listed among the broadcasts available through SuperSport, while CAF TV is another option for viewers in territories where its stream is available.
Falcons Must Deliver
The Super Falcons have survived their opening setback and restored their position with victory over Zambia. Now comes the biggest test.
Nigeria must beat Egypt, then wait for the result of Malawi versus Zambia to know their final position in Group C if Zambia also win.
With the quarter-finals and Nigeria’s hopes of retaining their WAFCON crown on the line, Wednesday night in Rabat promises to be a decisive one for the nine-time African champions.
