Nigeria Thrash Egypt To Reach WAFCON Quarter-finals

Nigeria Thrash Egypt 6-2 To Reach WAFCON Quarter-finals

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria secured their place in the quarter-finals of the CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations with a dominant 6-2 victory over Egypt in their final Group C match at the Rabat Olympic Stadium on Wednesday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Facing the prospect of an early exit after a surprise opening defeat to Malawi, the Super Falcons delivered their most convincing performance of the tournament, scoring three goals in each half to seal qualification for the knockout stage.

Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 21st minute before Gift Monday doubled Nigeria's advantage in first-half stoppage time after a well-worked move involving Rinsola Babajide.

Egypt reduced the deficit moments before the interval through Nadine Ghazi's penalty, but Nigeria regained complete control after the restart as Uchenna Kanu, Christy Ucheibe, Rasheedat Ajibade and Joy Omewa all found the net.

Ghazi added a second goal for Egypt late in the contest, but it proved little more than consolation as the Cleopatras finished the group stage without a point.

Nigeria entered the decisive fixture under pressure following a disappointing start to their title defence. A 3-2 defeat to Malawi in their opening match was followed by a narrow 1-0 victory over Zambia, leaving Justine Madugu's side needing a win to guarantee progression.

The Super Falcons responded with urgency and purpose.

Oshoala calmly converted from the spot midway through the opening half to settle the nerves before Babajide's creativity helped Nigeria extend their lead deep into first-half stoppage time, with Monday applying the finishing touch.

Egypt briefly threatened a comeback after Ghazi converted a penalty in the closing moments of the first half, but Nigeria quickly reasserted their dominance after the interval.

Babajide, one of Nigeria's standout performers, registered her second assist of the evening in the 57th minute when she set up Kanu to restore the two-goal cushion.

The goal shifted the momentum firmly in Nigeria's favour as Egypt struggled to contain the Super Falcons' attacking movement.

Ucheibe converted Nigeria's second penalty of the night in the 81st minute before Ghazi struck again three minutes later to make it 4-2.

Any hopes of an Egyptian comeback were quickly extinguished in stoppage time.

Ajibade confidently converted another penalty before turning provider for Omewa, whose late finish completed an emphatic victory and underlined Nigeria's attacking resurgence.

Despite Nigeria's commanding win, Malawi claimed top spot in Group C after edging Zambia 2-1 in the group's other fixture.

Malawi, Nigeria and Zambia all finished on six points, with the Flames topping the standings on the competition's tiebreak criteria. Nigeria progressed in second place, while Zambia exited the tournament despite recording two victories in the group stage.

Egypt finished bottom without a point, conceding 15 goals in three matches.

For Nigeria, the performance represents a timely return to form after a difficult start to the tournament. Having rediscovered their attacking rhythm with back-to-back victories, the Super Falcons head into the quarter-finals with renewed confidence as they continue their pursuit of another continental title.