By Dorcas Francis Koji
Super Falcons winger Rinsola Babajide was named Player of the Match after producing an outstanding display in Nigeria’s emphatic 6-2 victory over Egypt, a result that secured the defending champions a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The forward played a pivotal role in one of Nigeria’s best attacking performances of the tournament, constantly troubling the Egyptian defence with her pace, movement and creativity.
Babajide provided the assist for Nigeria’s second goal, delivering a perfectly weighted low cross that Gift Monday converted to double the Super Falcons’ advantage before half-time. Throughout the encounter, she remained a constant attacking threat, stretching Egypt’s backline and creating numerous opportunities for her teammates.
Her energetic display helped Nigeria recover from a difficult start to the tournament after the Falcons suffered a surprise opening defeat to Malawi before bouncing back with a hard-fought victory over Zambia.
The convincing win over Egypt, coupled with favourable results elsewhere in Group C, ensured Nigeria progressed to the knockout stages as they continued their pursuit of a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
Babajide’s performance earned widespread praise from supporters and football observers, with her composure in possession, intelligent movement and attacking influence proving instrumental in Nigeria’s qualification.
The former Liverpool winger has grown in confidence throughout the competition and now appears set to play a key role as the Super Falcons prepare for a challenging quarter-final clash against Cameroon.
Speaking after receiving the Player of the Match award, Babajide expressed her delight at helping the team bounce back from its difficult start.
“It feels great to contribute to the team’s victory. We knew we had to respond after our opening setback, and everyone worked hard to ensure we qualified. This award belongs to the entire team because we fought together,” she said.
Nigeria will now shift their attention to the knockout phase, where they will look to build on their dominant attacking display against Egypt and continue their quest to retain the continental crown.
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