Egypt vs Nigeria: 5 Cleopatras who could damage Super Falcons’ WAFCON 2026 charge

The Super Falcons of Nigeria take on Egypt in their final group stage fixture if the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) on Wednesday, Afrik-foot reports.

Since the very first edition of the WAFCON, the Super Falcons have been the benchmark of women’s football in Africa for decades, but they are in danger of failing to meet up with their standards this time.

Your calendar is officially booked. The roadmap to #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2026 is here. 🗓️ pic.twitter.com/ct15vdp1ll

— CAF Women Football (@CAFwomen) July 17, 2026

Justin Madugu’s side need to get a victory by any means and a resounding one at that if they want to play in the quarterfinals of this competition. In fact, they also have to hope that the result of Malawi vs Zambia favours them.

Going into this game, the Cleopatras have been confirmed to be the weeping girls of the group, having suffered a 3-1 loss to 10-woman Malawi last time out and a 6-0 loss to Zambia in their opening game of the tournament.

Nonetheless, they still have a few players who are capable of turning a game on its head. If the Super Falcons underestimate them, Egypt have enough quality to punish any lapse in concentration.

Here are five Egyptian stars who could derail Nigeria’s quest for another WAFCON crown.

Sarah Essam

Whenever Egypt need inspiration in the final third, Sarah Essam is usually the first name that comes to mind.

The experienced forward has enjoyed spells in Europe and brings invaluable exposure from playing in more competitive environments. She is comfortable with operating as a winger or central striker, Essam combines pace with intelligent movement and has the ability to exploit spaces behind opposition defences.

Nigeria’s full-backs will need to remain disciplined, as giving Essam room to run could prove costly.

Menna Tarek

Every successful team needs a player capable of unlocking stubborn defences, and Menna Tarek fits that description for Egypt.

The midfielder has good vision, a composed first touch and an eye for the decisive pass. She thrives between the lines and has the technical ability to dictate the tempo when Egypt enjoy possession.

If Nigeria allow Tarek too much time on the ball, she could become the architect of Egypt’s best attacking moments.

Eman Hassan

The 25-year-old defender has given Egypt their only celebration in this tournament, as she scored last time against Malawi.

Eman Hassan made sure that cross had the perfect ending. 👏🇪🇬#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2026 pic.twitter.com/hNXx3IacIO

— CAF Women Football (@CAFwomen) August 1, 2026

But asides from that goal, she is confident with the ball, and works hard on the pitch. Her work rate allows Egypt to compete physically against stronger opponents, while her passing range helps launch quick transitions.

Against Nigeria’s athletic midfield, her ability to win second balls could be decisive.

Dana Nadda

Tournament football is often decided by fine margins, and Dana Nadda has the quality to make those moments count.

The 21-year-old is very athletic and quick. Although she has scored in this tournament, the Super Falcons must be wary of her threat in the final third. Nigeria has struggled with players who have pace in this tournament, so they have to keep Nadda in check.

Maha Shehata

Maha Shehata has established herself as one of Egypt’s most dependable performers. Despite conceding nine goals so far, she has actually made 13 saves in two games. It just shows that the defence is thr problem.

She is capable of producing spectacular saves under pressure, so Nigeria should be very ruthless when the opportunities come.

Seeing that this is Egypt’s last game of the tournament, she could produce a spirited performance on the night.