Super Falcons need win over Egypt to keep WAFCON title defence alive
Four days after a 1-0 win over Zambia that saw them play most of the match with ten players, Nigeria’s Super Falcons prepare to face Egypt on Wednesday in their final Group C clash at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat. The Falcons lost their opener 3-2 to tournament debutants Malawi, leaving them with three points alongside Zambia, while Malawi leads the group with six.
Defender Oluwatosin Demehin is suspended after her red card versus Zambia, and midfielder Jennifer Echegini misses out following two yellow cards. Coach Justin Madugu is expected to slot Christy Ucheibe into central defence alongside veteran Osinachi Ohale, with Toni Payne likely to replace Echegini in midfield and Halimatu Ayinde returning to bolster the engine room. Forward Uchenna Kanu pushes for another start after her impact off the bench versus Malawi, while six‑time CAF Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala aims to build on her match‑winning goal against Zambia.
Egypt, already eliminated after heavy defeats to Zambia and Malawi, will look to end their campaign on a positive note. If Nigeria beats Egypt and Zambia defeats Malawi, all three teams would finish on six points, with quarterfinal places decided by head‑to‑head records, goal difference and other CAF tie‑breakers. Nigeria’s historical edge includes a 6‑0 victory over Egypt in the 1998 WAFCON, though the coach warns past results will count for little on the pitch.
Can the Super Falcons overcome injuries and tactical changes to secure the win they need to keep their title defence alive and advance to the last eight?