WAFCON 2026: Super Falcons face Egypt in Quarter-final decider

Nigeria's Super Falcons are set for a decisive Women's Africa Cup of Nations clash against Egypt on Wednesday, needing a victory to secure a quarter-final berth and keep their title defense alive. Four days after a hard-fought win against Zambia, the team faces another high-stakes match in Rabat.

Their journey in Morocco has been far from smooth. An unexpected 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in their opening Group C match put the defending champions on the verge of an early exit. They managed to rebound with a resilient 1-0 victory over Zambia, despite playing with 10 players for most of the game. Now, the 10-time African champions must defeat Egypt and hope for a favorable result in the Malawi vs. Zambia match to advance.

Coach Justin Madugu faces significant selection challenges due to suspensions. Galatasaray defender Oluwatosin Demehin is out after receiving a red card against Zambia, while Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Jennifer Echegini is unavailable due to accumulated yellow cards. Despite these setbacks, Madugu's tactical changes against Zambia proved effective, and further adjustments are anticipated for the Egypt match.

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Victory would move Nigeria onto six points, but qualification could still depend on how events unfold elsewhere in the group.

Christy Ucheibe is expected to partner veteran Osinachi Ohale in central defense, while Toni Payne is the likely replacement for Echegini in midfield, potentially alongside captain Rasheedat Ajibade. Halimatu Ayinde could also feature to bolster the midfield. Upfront, Uchenna Kanu is vying for a starting spot after making an impact as a substitute, and Asisat Oshoala, the six-time CAF Women's Player of the Year, will be eager to build on her match-winning goal against Zambia.

Meanwhile, Egypt, already eliminated from quarter-final contention after heavy defeats to Zambia and Malawi, is determined to finish the tournament on a positive note. Despite their previous losses, the Super Falcons are not underestimating their opponents, recognizing that a team with nothing left to lose can be dangerous.

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Egypt desperate to salvage pride.