By IJEOMA OKIGBO

Super Falcons Head Coach, Justin Madugu, has warned his players against repeating the mistakes they made during the group stage as they head to the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

He gave the warning after Nigeria booked a place in the last eight with a commanding 6-2 victory over Egypt in their final Group C match on Wednesday.

He said “it is a lesson for us to understand that African football has grown. If you make a mistake, you are punished, except you get a second chance.

“Now, we cannot afford to make the mistakes we were making at the group stage as we approach the quarter-finals.

“We need to put our best foot forward and tread cautiously.”

The victory ensured Nigeria finished top of Group C and set up a quarter-final clash with Cameroon in Casablanca on Sunday.

Nigeria’s qualification came at the end of a dramatic final day in Group C, with tournament debutants Malawi also progressing at Zambia’s expense.

Nigeria, Malawi and Zambia all finished on six points after Zambia defeated Malawi 2-1 and Nigeria thrashed Egypt 6-2.

With the three teams tied on head-to-head points and goal difference, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) applied the next tiebreaker of head-to-head goals scored.

Malawi advanced with four goals, Nigeria had three, while Zambia managed two, ending the Copper Queens’ campaign in spite of winning their final group match.

Against Egypt, Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 21st minute after Nour Abdelwahed handled the ball inside the box.

Oshoala was later forced off with an injury, but her replacement, Gift Monday, doubled Nigeria’s lead after combining well with Rinsola Babajide.

Egypt responded through Nadeen Ghazy’s penalty after Michelle Alozie fouled Yasmin Abdelaziz.

Nigeria, however, dominated the second half as substitute Uchenna Kanu made it 3-1 before winning another penalty, which Christy Ucheibe converted.

Ghazy pulled another goal back for Egypt, but captain Rasheedat Ajibade scored from the penalty spot late on before substitute Joy Omewa completed the rout in stoppage time.

In the group’s other match, Barbra Banda and Prisca Chilufya gave Zambia a two-goal lead before Malawi captain Tabitha Chawinga scored what proved to be the decisive goal for the standings.

Although Zambia searched for another goal until the closing stages, Chawinga’s strike ensured Malawi progressed on the head-to-head goals-scored rule.

Nigeria will now face Cameroon for a place in the semi-finals, while Malawi will meet either Ghana or Mali in the other quarter-final. (NAN)

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