Rinsola Babajide announced herself in style at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, producing a lively performance that earned her the Player of the Match award as Nigeria’s Super Falcons defeated Egypt 6-2.
The forward was handed her first start of the tournament and responded with two assists, playing a major role in Nigeria’s attacking display as the defending champions secured an emphatic victory.
Babajide’s pace, movement and ability to attack space repeatedly unsettled the Egyptian defence. Rather than simply looking for an opportunity to score herself, the Roma forward consistently created openings for her teammates and helped Nigeria maintain pressure throughout the contest.
Her first major contribution arrived shortly before half-time. With Nigeria already in control, Babajide delivered a well timed pass into the path of Gift Monday, who finished the opportunity to give the Falcons a 2-0 advantage in the 44th minute.
Egypt managed to pull a goal back before the interval, but Nigeria returned from the break determined to restore their cushion.
Babajide again found herself at the centre of the action in the 57th minute when she created another opportunity for the Nigerian attack. Her delivery allowed Uchenna Kanu to find the net and put the Falcons back in command at 3-1.
The two assists reflected the forward’s growing influence and demonstrated the value of her movement on the flanks. By stretching the Egyptian defence and creating space for teammates, she provided Nigeria with another attacking dimension.
Speaking after the match, Babajide expressed satisfaction with her contribution while placing the team’s progress above her individual recognition.
She said she was pleased with the two assists and the way the team responded to the demands of the match. Her comments underlined the collective objective of a Nigerian side seeking another deep run in the continental tournament.
The Player of the Match trophy added a personal highlight to what was already an important evening for the forward. Babajide indicated that she intended to keep the award at home as a family memento.
For Nigeria, however, the significance of the result extended beyond individual accolades.
The victory gave the Super Falcons the momentum they needed as the tournament entered its knockout phase. Nigeria’s route to the quarter-finals came after a closely contested group stage in which qualification was eventually decided by tie-breakers.
The Falcons finished behind Malawi in their group, with Zambia eliminated after all three teams ended on six points. The fine margins demonstrated how important Nigeria’s convincing victory over Egypt had become.
The attacking performance also offered encouragement ahead of the quarter-final. Nigeria will face Cameroon on Sunday in a contest that promises to be considerably more demanding.
The two sides are familiar with each other, having faced one another in a two leg friendly series before the tournament. Their previous meetings produced contrasting results, making it difficult to draw conclusions from those matches alone.
Nigeria’s coaching staff will therefore have to prepare for a fresh battle against a Cameroon side capable of creating problems in both transition and possession.
For Babajide, the Egypt match could prove to be an important turning point in the tournament. Having started from the bench in Nigeria’s earlier matches, she took her opportunity when selected and delivered an immediate impact.
Her performance could give coach Justine Madugu another attacking option as the Falcons pursue their continental ambitions.
Nigeria are chasing a record extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, but the immediate priority is to overcome Cameroon and secure a place in the semi-finals.
The quarter-final also carries significance beyond the trophy. A successful run through the knockout stages is connected to Nigeria’s wider ambition of securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
With the competition reaching its decisive stage, performances from players such as Babajide could become increasingly important.
Her ability to create chances, stretch defensive lines and provide assists gives Nigeria another weapon as opponents begin to focus more closely on the country’s established attacking stars.
The victory over Egypt has therefore provided both confidence and momentum. For Babajide, it was a night of personal recognition. For the Super Falcons, it was another step towards their larger objectives.
The challenge now is to reproduce that attacking energy against Cameroon, where the margin for error will be significantly smaller and the reward for victory considerably greater.
