Casablanca –Algeria made history on Sunday evening by clinching a place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the very first time after holding tournament heavyweights Nigeria to a 0-0 stalemate at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
Despite Nigeria dominating possession and chances, Farid Benstiti’s side showed remarkable tactical discipline and defensive resilience to frustrate the nine-time champions.
🟩 Algeria Rise from Underdogs to Knockout Contenders
Coming into the game as underdogs, Algeria needed at least a draw to progress. Their spirited performance, combined with Botswana’s 2-1 win over Tunisia, saw them finish second in Group B with five points, while Nigeria topped the group with seven.
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“We knew it would take a perfect defensive game to hold Nigeria. I’m proud of the girls — they showed heart and tactical maturity,” said Benstiti after the match.
🧤 N’Gazi’s Heroics Steal the Show
While Nigeria fielded a rotated squad — with key names like Francisca Ordega, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Esther Okoronkwo still posing major threats — it was Algerian goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi who rose to the occasion.
Her commanding presence between the posts denied Nigeria multiple times, including a last-gasp save in stoppage time to keep out a powerful header from Okoronkwo.
🇳🇬 Madugu Reflects on Missed Chances
Despite securing top spot in the group, Nigeria coach Justin Madugu admitted there were lessons to learn:
“Every match gives us something new. We rotated the squad, maintained a clean sheet, and learned to grind out results when the goals don’t come.”
Nigeria had entered the match having scored four goals and conceded none, but struggled to break down Algeria’s low block, even with the introduction of second-half reinforcements.
🏆 What’s Next?
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Nigeria will face Group A’s runners-up in the quarter-finals.
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Algeria are set for a historic knockout stage appearance, capping off a group campaign few predicted they would survive.
Their run so far — built on grit, organisation, and a refusal to be intimidated — suggests they won’t go quietly in the next round.
Last Updated on April 7, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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