Nigeria vs Egypt: Why history is firmly on the Super Falcons’ side

The Super Falcons of Nigeria will face Egypt in their final game of the group stage of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) on Wednesday, Soccernet.ng reports.

The result of the fixture has implications on how Group C pans out, as Nigeria could get knocked out if they fail win. The result could also profit their fellow group opponents Malawi and Zambia.

When Nigeria women and Egyptian women meet, very few WAFCON fixtures have such a stark contrast in pedigree.

The Super Falcons are the undisputed queens of African women's football, while Egypt's Cleopatras are still trying to establish themselves among the continent's elite. As they prepare to face off, history overwhelmingly favours the 10-time African champions.

Nigeria Have Turned WAFCON Into Their Competition

No country has dominated a continental tournament quite like Nigeria have dominated the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

Since the start of the competition in 1998, the Super Falcons have won the title on 10 occasions, reaching the latter stages with remarkable consistency. Their dominance stretches across different generations, from the era of Mercy Akide and Perpetua Nkwocha to Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade and today's emerging stars.

Nigeria's sustained excellence in the competition has created a mindset where anything less than lifting the trophy is often viewed as disappointment.

That mentality alone separates the Super Falcons from many of their continental rivals.

Can Egypt Undo The Shades of 1998?

Egypt's women's national team has made encouraging strides over the past decade, but their journey has been far less straightforward.

For long periods, the Cleopatras have struggled to establish themselves as regular participants at WAFCON, often missing out on qualification altogether. Investment in women's football has increased in recent years, leading to improved youth development and a more competitive domestic structure.

But this is just their third WAFCON appearance, with the last being in 2016. In fact, in their first WAFCON appearance in 1998, they suffered a 6-0 loss to Nigeria, so there is still a major disparity. That spanking remains the one and only meeting between both sides till date.

Nigeria Looking to Bounce Back

Championship teams often get to see winning as a habit, and anything less always means that they have fallen short of expectation. So Nigeria enter almost every WAFCON fixture believing they will win.

That is why many fans were left dumbfounded after their opening day loss to Malawi. Nonetheless, they managed to bounce back against Zambia in their second game, a testimony of their mental edge.

On Wednesday, Egypt's challenge will be as much mental as tactical. They know they are minnows, so they will likely sit back. If Nigeria scores early, the Cleopatras could be set for a walloping, as they might lose composure. It remains to be seen how the game pans out eventually.