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- Safiu Kehinde
Super Falcons has crashed out of the 2026 Women’s African Cup on Nation (WAFCON) with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cameroon.
A first half goal from a sublime freekick by Cameroonian player, Myriam Nyadjou, ended Nigeria’s title defence in a fierce quarter finals match played on Saturday.
Having scaled through the group stage, the Super Falcons faced fellow West African neighbour.
Cameroon seized the initiative in the 20th minute when Nyadjou found the net, giving the Indomitable Lionesses a lead they protected until full time.
The Super Falcons responded with sustained attacking pressure and created several opportunities in search of an equaliser.
However, Cameroon’s defence remained organised and resilient throughout the encounter, frustrating the Nigerian forwards and limiting clear-cut chances.
Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina played a decisive role in the victory, producing crucial saves to deny the 10-time African champions.
Nigeria continued to press forward in the closing stages, but their efforts failed to yield a breakthrough against the disciplined Cameroonian side.
The Justin Madugu-led side however bowed out to the Indomitable Lionesses, ending their title defence.
The victory secured Cameroon’s place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil and kept alive their quest for continental glory.
Cameroon joins Algeria and Morocco among the African teams that have already secured automatic qualification for the World Cup.
For Nigeria, the defeat means qualification hopes now depends on navigating the playoff route to reach the global tournament.
The continent’s remaining automatic ticket will be decided by the winner of the quarter-final clash between Ghana and Malawi.
Africa has six places at the expanded global tournament, with two additional teams set to qualify through playoff opportunities.