The Super Falcons have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and they deserve congratulations for achieving the first objective of the campaign. Qualification was eventually secured with an emphatic 6-2 victory over Egypt, while Nigeria finished ahead of Zambia on the strength of CAF’s head-to-head rule.

The result against Egypt was the kind of statement many Nigerians had been waiting for. It showcased the attacking quality, confidence and experience that have made the Super Falcons the most successful team in the history of African women’s football. At their best, they remain a formidable force capable of overwhelming any opponent on the continent.

However, qualification should not obscure the lessons from the group stage.

The tournament began on an unsettling note with Nigeria being beaten by debutants Malawi. That defeat raised legitimate concerns about the team’s tactical approach, organisation and urgency. It also fuelled criticism of Coach Justin Madugu, whose decisions came under intense scrutiny from supporters and analysts alike.

One convincing victory does not automatically erase those concerns.

Football tournaments are won by consistency rather than isolated flashes of brilliance. As the competition enters the knockout stage, every mistake becomes more costly and every tactical decision carries greater consequences. There will be no second chances.

Coach Madugu deserves credit for steering the team into the quarter-finals despite the early setback. Yet he must now demonstrate that he can make the tactical adjustments needed against stronger opposition. Team selection must be based on form rather than reputation. The game plan must be flexible enough to respond to changing situations. Above all, the players must display greater discipline, concentration and hunger from the opening whistle.

The players also have a responsibility. They wear one of the heaviest jerseys in African football. Every opponent measures itself against Nigeria because of the Super Falcons’ rich history. That status must be defended not by past achievements but by present performances.

The attacking players have shown what they can do when they move the ball quickly and take their chances. The midfield must provide greater control, while the defence cannot afford the lapses that proved costly earlier in the tournament. Every department has room for improvement.

There is another reason why complacency would be dangerous.

The stakes extend beyond the WAFCON title. Failure to reach the semi-finals could also deny Nigeria qualification for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup. That possibility should serve as a powerful reminder that every remaining match is effectively a final.

Nigerians are passionate supporters, but they are equally demanding. They celebrate success, yet they also expect excellence from a team that has set the benchmark for women’s football in Africa. The Super Falcons have earned admiration over the years through resilience, quality and an unyielding winning mentality. Those qualities must now define the remainder of this campaign.

Congratulations are certainly in order for reaching the quarter-finals. But celebrations should be brief.

The mission is far from accomplished. Coach Madugu and his players have shown they possess the talent to go all the way. What Nigerians now expect is proof that they also possess the tactical discipline, mental strength and consistency needed to reclaim continental glory and secure a place at the World Cup.

The quarter-finals are not the destination. They are merely the beginning of the journey that truly matters.