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NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s leading online newspaper. Published by Africa’s international award-winning journalist, Mr. Isaac Umunna, NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s first truly professional online daily newspaper. It is published from Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and media hub, and has a provision for occasional special print editions. Thanks to our vast network of sources and dedicated team of professional journalists and contributors spread across Nigeria and overseas, NEWS EXPRESS has become synonymous with newsbreaks and exclusive stories from around the world.
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Nigeria’s Super Falcons head into their final Group C fixture against Egypt knowing that only victory will guarantee a place in the quarter-finals after an unpredictable start to their title defence.
Egypt, meanwhile, have already been eliminated after successive defeats but will be eager to finish their campaign on a positive note and hope to dampen Nigeria’s ambitions.
The defending champions endured one of the biggest shocks in WAFCON history in their opening match, losing 3-2 to tournament debutants Malawi despite staging a dramatic late comeback.
The Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, put Malawi two goals ahead before captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Uchenna Kanu struck in stoppage time to level the contest. However, Temwa Chawinga completed her brace moments later to hand Malawi a famous victory.
In their second outing, Nigeria responded impressively with a disciplined 1-0 victory over Zambia. Asisat Oshoala scored the decisive goal inside the opening minutes, while the Super Falcons produced an excellent defensive display to secure three crucial points and revive their quarter-final hopes.
But Nigeria will be without defender Tosin Demehin, who was sent off in the victory against Zambia. Midfielder Jennifer Echegini is also out of the match after two cautions. With the Super Falcons’ depth, however, Nigeria have the personnel to weather the storm in their absence.
Meanwhile, Egypt have endured a difficult tournament and arrive at their final group game without a point. The Egyptians were heavily beaten 6-0 by Zambia in their opening fixture before suffering a 3-1 defeat to Malawi, a result that confirmed their elimination from the competition.
Despite moments of attacking promise, Egypt have struggled defensively, conceding nine goals in two matches while scoring just once.
Their final group fixture against Nigeria is now about restoring pride and ending the tournament on a positive note.
Asisat Oshoala celebrates after scoring for the Super Falcons against Zambia in the ongoing WAFCON.
The six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year remains Nigeria’s biggest attacking weapon despite entering the latter stages of her illustrious career. Oshoala reminded everyone of her pedigree by scoring the decisive goal in the Super Falcons’ 1-0 victory over Zambia, a result that revived Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.
Beyond her goal, the former Barcelona striker led the line intelligently, using her movement to stretch Zambia’s defence and create space for her teammates. Her experience in high-pressure matches, combined with her clinical finishing, makes her the player Egypt must keep quiet if they hope to frustrate Nigeria.
Nigeria’s captain has once again demonstrated why she is regarded as one of Africa’s finest attacking players. Ajibade inspired the Super Falcons’ spirited comeback against Malawi with a stoppage-time goal and has continued to lead by example through her relentless pressing, creativity and leadership. Comfortable operating from either wing or in a central attacking role, she possesses the ability to unlock compact defences with her pace and direct running. With qualification on the line, Nigeria will once again look to their captain to rise to the occasion.
Despite a shaky start, Nnadozie could prove just as important as Nigeria’s attacking stars. After conceding three goals against Malawi, she bounced back with a commanding performance against Zambia, producing several crucial saves and organising the defence superbly.
Her commanding presence in the penalty area and ability to produce match-winning saves will provide the confidence Nigeria need in high-stakes encounters.
Alozie has quietly become one of the Super Falcons’ most reliable performers. Whether defending one-on-one or surging forward to support attacks, the Houston Dash full-back provides balance on Nigeria’s right flank.
Her pace and stamina will be crucial in containing Egypt’s counter-attacks while also supplying quality deliveries into the box for Oshoala and Ajibade.
For Egypt, their hopes of ending their tournament on a high rest largely on the shoulders of Sarah Essam. The experienced striker remains the Cleopatras’ most dangerous attacking outlet and will be expected to lead the line against Africa’s strongest defence.
Although opportunities have been limited throughout the tournament, her pace, movement and finishing ability make her capable of punishing any lapse in concentration from the Nigerian backline.
One of Egypt’s brightest attacking talents, Habiba Essam has shown flashes of creativity despite her side’s struggles. Comfortable operating behind the striker or drifting into wide areas, she possesses the vision to create chances from limited possession. Nigeria’s midfield will need to deny her time on the ball if they are to maintain control of the contest.
Expected to marshal Egypt’s defence, Khaled faces perhaps the toughest assignment of the tournament as she comes up against Oshoala and Ajibade. Strong in aerial duels and composed on the ball, she will be tasked with organising a backline that has conceded nine goals in two matches. If Egypt are to produce an upset, Khaled will need to deliver an outstanding defensive display.
Nigeria have historically dominated meetings between both nations in women’s football. The Super Falcons have never lost to Egypt at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and boast a significantly superior record in continental competition. That history makes Nigeria overwhelming favourites, although pressure will be firmly on the defending champions given the stakes.
Victory for Nigeria guarantees qualification for the quarter-finals. Depending on the Zambia vs Malawi result, the Super Falcons could still finish top of Group C. Anything less than a win could leave qualification dependent on other results.
For Egypt, who have already been eliminated after two defeats, they are playing for pride and an opportunity to end their campaign with a positive result.
Fixture: Nigeria vs Egypt
Competition: 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations – Group C
Venue: Olympic Stadium, Rabat, Morocco
Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Kick-off: 9:00 p.m. WAT/Nigeria time (Chanels)
