After a false start to their campaign at the 2026 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Nigeria have qualified for the quarter-finals of the competition. The reward for that is a face-off with rivals Cameroon.

The Super Falcons defeated Egypt 6-2 in their last Group C game on Wednesday to finish second behind Malawi after a frenetic ending to matches in the group. Half of the six Nigerian goals came from penalties, converted by record six-time Women’s African Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala, Christy Ucheibe and Rasheedat Ajibade.

Gift Monday, Uchenna Kanu and Joy Omewa also scored for the Super Falcons, who led 2-1 at half-time. Nadin Ghazy bagged a brace for Egypt, one from a penalty. The Cleopatras of Egypt ended the group stage having no points from three matches.

Nigeria, Zambia and Malawi ended on six points after three games. But CAF’s rules meant that goal difference across the whole group was not enough to separate the three nations. That meant only the matches among the three teams were used under the head-to-head tiebreak. With that, Zambia dropped to third despite winning two games and having six points.

Leading 2026 WAFCON scorer Barbra Banda netted after just two minutes for Zambia, and Prisca Chilufya added a second goal before half-time. But the goal Tabitha Chawinga scored for Malawi in the 72nd minute proved crucial as it took the landlocked southern African nation to the top of the table despite trailing.

Cameroon have already booked their place in the knockouts as Group D leaders, having beaten Ghana and Mali, and will face Cabo Verde in their last game. Nigeria’s game against Cameroon will take place on Sunday. The game renews the rivalry between Nigeria and their neighbours, with the winner sealing an automatic ticket to the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Malawi, the lowest-ranked of the 16 qualifiers for the tournament, finished first and will face Ghana or Mali for a place in the semi-finals and a ticket to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Hosts Morocco will play South Africa, and Cote d’Ivoire will take on Algeria on Saturday. (Channels)

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