Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured their place in the knockout rounds of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a spectacular 6-2 win over Egypt, but the biggest drama from Group C came from Zambia’s painful exit despite collecting a victory on the final matchday.
Malawi topped the group, Nigeria advanced as runners-up, and Zambia were left devastated after tiebreaker calculations went against them. The Copper Queens defeated Malawi 2-1 and finished with a better overall goal difference, but their elimination was confirmed because tournament rules excluded results against last-placed Egypt when calculating the head-to-head mini-league between the teams tied on points.
Nigeria entered their final group match knowing they needed a strong performance, and the Super Falcons delivered with a ruthless attacking display against the Cleopatras. Asisat Oshoala gave Nigeria the lead in the 20th minute with a confident penalty conversion before Gift Monday extended the advantage after coming off the bench to finish a brilliant move created by Rinsola Babajide.
Egypt kept their hopes alive by scoring from the penalty spot deep into first-half stoppage time, sending the teams into the break with Nigeria leading 2-1. However, the Super Falcons controlled the second half and quickly restored their advantage when Uchenna Kanu scored in the 57th minute shortly after entering the game.
Christy Ucheibe added Nigeria’s fourth goal in the 81st minute with a calm finish before Egypt responded four minutes later. Nigeria refused to surrender their momentum, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade converting from the penalty spot in the 89th minute and Joy Omewa completing a memorable night by scoring Nigeria’s sixth goal in stoppage time.
While Nigeria celebrated qualification with one of their strongest attacking displays of the tournament, Zambia were left reflecting on a cruel conclusion to their campaign. Their elimination highlighted the fine margins of tournament football, where qualification can be decided not only by performances on the pitch but also by competition tiebreak regulations.
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