News
Super Falcons Crush Egypt 6-2 to Reach WAFCON 2026 Quarter-Finals
The Super Falcons of Nigeria booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a commanding 6-2 victory over Egypt in their final group-stage match, holding on to their title credentials with an impressive attacking display.
The 10-time African champions wasted little time asserting their dominance, opening the scoring through Asisat Oshoala, who calmly converted from the penalty spot after sending the Egyptian goalkeeper the wrong way.
Nigeria continued to dictate proceedings and doubled their advantage through Gift Monday, who made an immediate impact after coming off the bench in the first half.
However, Egypt reduced the deficit just before the break after converting a penalty to keep themselves in the contest.
The Super Falcons responded emphatically after halftime. Substitute Uchenna Kanu restored Nigeria’s two-goal cushion in the 57th minute, finishing off an excellent move created by Rinsola Babajide, who tormented the Egyptian defence throughout the encounter.
With the game firmly under their control, Nigeria continued to press forward and were rewarded with another penalty in the closing stages. Christy Ucheibe confidently dispatched the spot-kick in the 81st minute to make it 4-1.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade then got on the scoresheet from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, extending the lead to 5-1 before substitute Joy Omewa completed the rout in the 90+8th minute, finishing brilliantly after being set up by Ajibade.
Although Egypt managed to score twice, they were unable to cope with Nigeria’s relentless attacking play, as the Super Falcons showcased their squad depth with substitutes making decisive contributions throughout the contest.
Babajide capped off an outstanding individual performance by claiming the Woman of the Match award after providing two assists and consistently stretching the Egyptian backline with her pace, cretivity and delivery.
The comprehensive victory sees Nigeria advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face Cameroon in what promises to be another heavyweight African encounter.
Should the Super Falcons progress, they will meet the winner of the quarter-final between South Africa and Morocco in the last four.
The result further reinforces Nigeria’s status as one of the favourites for the title as they continue their quest for an 11th WAFCON crown, with Justin Madugu’s side displaying both attacking firepower and the depth needed for a successful tournament run.
Jessica Oji made history for Nigeria at the World U20 Championships, winning a landmark shot put gold medal in Eugene.
The Nigerian produced a commanding performance in the women’s shot put to claim the title with a best throw of 18.08 metres, becoming the first Nigerian athlete to win a world championship gold in a field event at any level.
Oji opened her series with an impressive 18.05m before improving to 18.08m on her third attempt. She followed that with 17.95m, while her fourth effort was ruled a foul.
Her winning mark was enough to keep her at the summit of the standings, with Oji emerging as the only competitor to surpass the 18-metre barrier.
The historic victory represents a major milestone for Nigerian athletics and adds another significant achievement to the country’s growing reputation in global track and field.
Nigeria also advanced to the final of the mixed 4x100m relay after finishing second in their heat in 41.91 seconds.
Miracle Ezechukwu delivered one of the standout moments of the qualifying round, producing a spectacular anchor leg with a 10.05-second split.
The Nigerian dramatically reduced the deficit to Germany and came close to overtaking the United States in the closing stages.
Ezechukwu teamed up with Tejiri Godwin, Rosemary Nwankwo and Perfect Faye to secure Nigeria’s place in the final.
Precious Opinion also boosted Nigeria’s medal prospects by reaching the men’s triple jump final with a personal-best leap of 16.02m.
The mark, achieved with a legal wind reading of -0.9m/s, ranked fourth among the qualifiers and leaves Opinion within reach of a podium finish.
Jecinta Lawrence and Faith Ezechukwu were unable to advance to the women’s 400m final after exiting at the semifinal stage.
Lawrence clocked 54.86 seconds to finish seventh in her semifinal, while Ezechukwu recorded 54.68 seconds to place eighth.
Both had earlier secured automatic qualification from the opening round, with Lawrence running 53.97 seconds and Ezechukwu 54.38 seconds.
David Dominion Udoh’s men’s 400m campaign, meanwhile, ended in the opening round after he was disqualified for a lane infringement under Technical Rule 17.3.3.
With Oji already securing a historic gold, Nigeria will now turn its attention to the remaining finals in Eugene.
-
News1 day agoGovernor Mutfwang Begins Strategic Assessment to Restore Plateau’s Heritage, Boost Tourism
-
Entertainment4 days ago
Big Chinni Thrills Audience as NASCO Cornflakes Powers Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026
-
News4 days ago
The fourth edition of Jasper Fiton Football Tournament Begins in Bokkos, Unites 45 Teams for Peace and Talent Discovery
-
News3 days ago
Grassrunner’s Godwin Raphael Itotomi Completes Move to French Club Stade de Reims
