The message coming out of the Super Falcons camp could not be clearer, with a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations hanging in the balance.
The Nigeria’s players have declared themselves ready for one final battle in Group C, insisting that nothing matters more than securing victory over the Pharaohs and keeping alive their dream of defending Africa’s biggest women’s football prize.
There will be no complacency.
There will be no distractions.
And there will be no taking Egypt lightly.
After bouncing back from a shock opening defeat to Malawi with a courageous 1-0 victory over Zambia despite playing much of the game with 10 players, confidence has returned to the Nigerian camp.
However, the players know the job is far from finished.
‘We Know What Is At Stake’ – Gift Monday
Super Falcons forward, Gift Monday says everyone connected with the national team has united behind one objective, delivering victory for Nigeria against Egypt.
She reflects the renewed determination within the squad following their spirited response against Zambia.
The striker praised the collective effort of the players, coaches and backroom staff, insisting the entire camp is working tirelessly to ensure the Super Falcons continue their journey in Morocco.
“I just want the fans to know that we’re working so hard and the technical crew, the coaches, the players, the back home staffs, we are all working so hard together to get this win for the nation.”
Prize Money Is Motivation… But Winning Comes First
With the Confederation of African Football increasing the financial rewards for this year’s tournament, players have another incentive to go all the way.
However, Monday insisted that money is only a secondary motivation.
According to the forward, the Super Falcons’ focus remains firmly on winning matches and making every opportunity count.
“I just think we’re going with the mindset of winning first and also try to like neutralize every chances that we get.”
“The money is a big motivation which is good but we’re just going to take one goal at a time.”
“We count one, we count two, as long as as many as we can.”
Rather than looking too far ahead, Monday believes Nigeria must continue building momentum one game at a time.
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‘Every Player Is Ready’ – Monday Gift
Competition for places within Justin Madugu’s squad has intensified throughout the tournament, but Monday believes that depth has become one of Nigeria’s biggest strengths.
She praised every member of the squad for remaining prepared whenever called upon.
“As a player, I so much believe in opportunities and time and as you can see the girls that have been playing have been doing fantastically well.”
“The most important thing is that we are getting the results as a team which is very very good for me and also for the team.”
With injuries, suspensions and tactical changes becoming inevitable during major tournaments, Nigeria’s squad depth could prove decisive as the competition progresses.
The forward also expressed complete confidence in the strength of Nigeria’s squad, noting that every player is prepared to step in and deliver whenever called upon by head coach Justin Madugu.
That depth has already proved crucial during the tournament, with several players making valuable contributions after coming off the bench.
Ohale: ‘We’ll Do Everything Possible To Win’
Veteran defender, Osinachi Ohale also struck a confident tone ahead of the Egypt showdown.
The experienced centre-back who played a vital role in Nigeria’s resilient defensive display against Zambia, acknowledged the importance of the final group fixture and assured Nigerians that the team understands exactly what is at stake.
According to Ohale, qualification remains firmly within the team’s control and promised that the players will give everything to ensure they reach the knockout rounds.
The Super Falcons are determined not only to qualify for the knockout stages but also to produce an even stronger performance than they managed against Zambia.
She expressed confidence that Nigeria will do everything possible to secure victory and continue their title defence and produce its best display of the tournament when it matters most.
‘Whoever Plays Will Deliver’ – Goalkeeper Oloko
Reserve goalkeeper, Fatimah Oloko echoed the optimism and confidence flowing inside the Nigerian camp.
Although she may not be among those named in the starting lineup and yet to feature prominently in the competition, Oloko insisted that every player in the squad remains ready to contribute whenever called upon.
She urged Nigerian supporters to remain patient and continue backing the team as they chase success in Morocco, stating that patience and encouragement from the fans remain invaluable as the Super Falcons pursue another continental title.
Oloko also reaffirmed the squad’s ambitions. Beyond reaching the knockout rounds, Oloko said the players have their eyes firmly fixed on two major objectives.
The first is securing qualification for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The second is returning home with the WAFCON trophy once again in Nigerian hands.
A Defining Night Awaits
Nigeria’s campaign has already experienced dramatic highs and painful lows.
The stunning defeat to Malawi threatened to derail the Super Falcons’ title defence before an inspired, backs-to-the-wall victory over Zambia reignited belief across the squad.
Now, Egypt stands between the defending champions and a place in the knockout rounds.
Inside the Super Falcons camp, the mood is one of confidence rather than complacency.
The players believe the hard work has been done.
The preparation has been made.
Now comes the final task.
Beat Egypt, book a place in the quarter-finals and keep alive Nigeria’s pursuit of a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
