Former Nigeria international Dimeji Lawal has urged the Super Falcons coaching crew to address the team’s shortcomings despite Wednesday’s emphatic 6-2 victory over Egypt that sealed a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria produced a ruthless display at the Rabat Olympic Stadium to book their place in the last eight after a stuttering start to their Group C campaign.
The ten-time African champions responded brilliantly after opening the tournament with a 3-2 defeat to Malawi, recording successive victories over Zambia and Egypt to finish second in the group and set up a quarter-final showdown with Cameroon.
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Reacting to the team’s turnaround, Lawal praised the players for showing resilience when it mattered most.
“I must commend the Super Falcons for their fight back to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament after going down 3-2 in their opening game against Malawi,” Lawal told Complete Sport.
“Beating Zambia and Egypt shows the fighting spirit within the players, and I am delighted that they are through to the next round.
“The players are aware that a comfortable win over Egypt will be enough to book their place in the next round, and the team just did that as expected.”
Lawal, however, believes qualification should not distract the coaching staff from areas that still require improvement as the competition enters its decisive phase.
“With qualification secured, the coach must still identify those areas that he can improve upon so as to avoid any lapses in the team.”
Nigeria’s commanding win over Egypt came courtesy of goals from Asisat Oshoala, Gift Monday, Uchenna Kanu, Christy Ucheibe, Rasheedat Ajibade and Joy Omewa, as the Super Falcons netted six times to overwhelm their North African counterparts.
With Cameroon awaiting in Sunday’s quarter-final, the Super Falcons will now be aiming to build on their renewed momentum and take another step towards defending the WAFCON title.
