Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been knocked out of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after Cameroon secured a narrow 1-0 victory in Sunday’s quarter-final clash in Casablanca.
The defeat ends Nigeria’s hopes of defending their WAFCON title and also denies them an automatic qualification spot for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Cameroon took the lead after 19 minutes through 19-year-old Myriam Nyadjou, who produced a powerful free-kick that flew beyond goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and into the net.
It was Nyadjou’s first goal of the tournament and ultimately proved decisive, sending the Indomitable Lionesses into the semi-finals, where they will meet hosts Morocco in Rabat on Wednesday. The victory also secured Cameroon’s place at the 2027 World Cup.
Nigeria, the competition’s record 10-time champions, dominated the search for an equaliser late in the game but found Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina in outstanding form.
The Falcons came agonisingly close in the third minute of stoppage time when Esther Okoronkwo got to the ball ahead of Bihina, only for her effort to roll just past the far post.
Nigeria had also introduced six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala shortly before the chance. The Saudi-based striker had not been fit enough to start but was brought on in an attempt to rescue the game.
Oshoala, however, could not inspire a comeback as Cameroon protected their lead until the final whistle, recording just their second win over Nigeria in 14 WAFCON encounters.
