Cameroon 1-0 Nigeria: Super Falcons’ WAFCON Exit Leaves World Cup Route Open

Posted : 10 August 2026

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have been eliminated from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon in Casablanca on Sunday. The result ended Nigeria’s hopes of defending their continental crown and removed their chance of securing direct qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Cameroon took control in the 19th minute when Myriam Nyadjou produced a superb free-kick to put the Indomitable Lionesses ahead. The strike gave Cameroon a crucial advantage in a tightly contested quarter-final.

Nigeria responded with sustained pressure as they looked for an equaliser before half-time. Rinsola Babajide was replaced by Uchenna Kanu in the 38th minute as head coach Justine Madugu attempted to increase the attacking threat.

The Super Falcons continued to control large periods after the restart. They moved the ball forward and created opportunities, but Cameroon defended resolutely to protect their lead.

Madugu made another double change in the 62nd minute. Toni Payne and Esther Okoronkwo were introduced for Gift Monday and Christy Ucheibe as Nigeria searched for the goal that would take the game into a more favourable position.

Nigeria's pressure produced several dangerous moments, but the equaliser never came. Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina and her defence stood firm as the Indomitable Lionesses secured their place in the semi-finals.

The defeat is a major setback for the Super Falcons, who entered Morocco as defending champions. Nigeria had won their 10th WAFCON title in 2024 and were seeking to extend their dominance in African women's football.

Cameroon's victory also guarantees that there will be a new African champion at the tournament. The Indomitable Lionesses will now advance to the semi-finals with their confidence boosted after eliminating one of the competition's strongest teams.

Nigeria's 2027 World Cup hopes, however, remain alive. The Super Falcons can still qualify through the intercontinental play-off route available to two of the four teams eliminated in the WAFCON quarter-finals.

That route gives Nigeria another opportunity to reach the expanded FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. The Super Falcons will now need to recover quickly and make the most of their remaining qualification opportunity.

The result also continues a long-running rivalry between Nigeria and Cameroon in women's football. Both nations have regularly competed for continental honours, with their meetings often carrying major tournament consequences.

Cameroon 1-0 Nigeria: Super Falcons’ WAFCON Exit Leaves World Cup Route Open

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