Super Falcons stars Toni Payne, Fatima Oloko and Gift Monday have expressed confidence ahead of Nigeria’s crucial Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 Group C encounter against Egypt, insisting that the team is focused on securing victory.
Nigeria head into the clash needing another positive result as they continue their campaign in Morocco, with the players highlighting the team’s determination and belief ahead of the must-win fixture.
Payne reflected on Nigeria’s previous match, where the Super Falcons had to battle through a difficult situation after playing with one player fewer for almost the entire game.
“I think just to build upon what we did in the last game. You know, it's really difficult to play with one player down for almost the entire match. But we got it done. We got the job done. So, I think we're just ready to put in our best effort against Egypt,” Payne told reporters on Monday.
The midfielder also spoke about the absence of Jennifer Echegini, who will miss the Egypt game after receiving her second yellow card of the tournament against Zambia.
Payne described Echegini as an important member of the squad but believes Nigeria have enough quality to cope with her absence.
“Jennifer is a really important player for the team. You can see over the past friendlies we've played and throughout this tournament that she's become a really important player for us in midfield.
“But we have a really deep team. We have a lot of players who are ready to step up in whatever capacity. And I think, regardless of anything, we're ready for the next game," she revealed.
Goalkeeper Fatima Oloko also assured Nigerians that the team remains focused on delivering a positive result against Egypt.
“Expect nothing but good result. our last game you saw that we came out we were determined we gave in our best and definitely that we'll be taking the same energy to the next game and we pray God give us the maximum victory," she said.
On Echegini’s suspension, Oloko insisted the squad has enough players capable of filling the gap.
“For the team all the players already and whoever that is going to represent that position I believe that person is going to give give in her best. So that will not be a problem," she added.
Gift Monday, meanwhile, said the players, coaches and backroom staff are working together to secure victory for the country.
“I just want the fans to know that we are working so hard and um the technical crew the coaches the players the back staffs we all working so hard together to get this win for the nation," she said.
The forward was also asked about the possibility of scoring more goals against Egypt, with reports of a $5,000 reward for every goal scored.
Monday said the team’s priority remains winning before focusing on individual rewards.
“I just think we're going with the mindset of winning first and also trying to neutralize every chance that we get. I mean, the money is a big motivation, which is good, but we're just going to take it one goal at a time. We count one, we count two, as many as we can," she revealed.
Monday also addressed expectations that she should have featured more in the tournament, saying she believes in patience and taking opportunities when they come.
“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, she added.
Payne called on Nigerian supporters to continue backing the Super Falcons, admitting that the team wants more support from the stands.
“Just to keep supporting us, you know, we're missing a little bit of you guys in the stands. We heard a lot from Zambia, so we're just hoping against Egypt and throughout the rest of the tournament, God willing, that we could have more of your support and just fuel us because it really does mean a lot," she said.
Oloko also sent a message of confidence to Nigerian fans, promising that the team is aiming for both World Cup qualification and the Wafcon trophy.
“Nigerians should just take it easy on us. I definitely believe that we're going to qualify for the World Cup. Not just qualifying, we're definitely coming back home with the trophy," she concluded.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are defending their continental title in Morocco, where they are aiming to secure another Wafcon crown and a place at the next FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Wale Adejumo
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