The Super Falcons produced a ruthless display to beat Egypt 6-2, while Malawi advanced despite a 2-1 defeat to Zambia, finishing top of the group on the tiebreak criteria.
Nigeria Hit Egypt for Six to Seal Knockout Spot
Nigeria knew only a win would guarantee their place in the last eight after opening the tournament with a surprise defeat to Malawi before edging Zambia in their second match.
The defending champions responded with their best performance of the competition, producing an impressive attacking display to overwhelm Egypt.
Asisat Oshoala settled any early nerves when she converted a penalty in the 21st minute to put Nigeria ahead.
Gift Monday doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time after good work from Rinsola Babajide, but Egypt stayed in the contest when Nadine Ghazi scored from the penalty spot deep into added time to leave the score at 2-1 at the break.
Nigeria quickly regained control after half-time. Babajide claimed her second assist of the night as Uchenna Kanu restored the two-goal advantage in the 57th minute.
Christy Ucheibe made it 4-1 from another penalty before Ghazi grabbed her second goal for Egypt in the 84th minute.
There was still time for Nigeria to add two more goals in stoppage time. Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty before providing the assist for Joy Omewa to complete an emphatic 6-2 victory.
The result ensured the Super Falcons reached the quarter-finals after recovering from a difficult start to their title defence.
Malawi Progress Despite Defeat to Zambia
Malawi also celebrated qualification despite falling to a narrow 2-1 defeat against Zambia.
The Copper Queens made the perfect start when Barbra Banda fired home from long range inside the opening minute to score her fifth goal of the tournament.
Zambia continued to dominate and doubled their advantage eight minutes before half-time. Margaret Belemu's cutback found Prisca Chilufya, who finished confidently to make it 2-0.
Knowing qualification could depend on goal difference, Malawi came out with greater determination after the break.
Tabitha Chawinga gave the Scorchers hope in the 72nd minute when she beat two defenders before finishing low past the goalkeeper.
Zambia searched for the goal that could have changed the group standings, and Kabange Mupopo came close late on, only to see her effort strike the woodwork.
Despite the defeat, Malawi progressed to the quarter-finals and finished top of Group C on the tiebreak criteria after ending level on six points with both Nigeria and Zambia.
Nigeria also advanced with six points, while Zambia were eliminated despite winning two of their three group matches. Egypt finished bottom of the group after losing all three matches.
Isabella Ludwig believes both she and Banyana Banyana are gathering momentum at exactly the right time as South Africa prepare for a high-stakes Women's Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against hosts Morocco.
Eintracht Frankfurt believe Nigerian star Raphael Onyedika has the qualities to become a key figure in the club's midfield rebuild after completing his permanent move from Belgian champions Club Brugge.
Lovemore Fazili says Malawi will be gunning for all three points from their final Women's Africa Cup of Nations group match against Zambia on Wednesday.
Banyana Banyana boss Desiree Ellis was proud of the way her players turned around a difficult Women's Africa Cup of Nations campaign to secure their place in the quarterfinals.
