10th August 2026 | News

Super Falcons Crash Out of WAFCON After 1-0 Defeat to Cameroon

9 August 2026 | Sports

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been eliminated from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after suffering a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to arch-rivals Cameroon on Sunday.

The loss also means Nigeria have missed out on an automatic qualification ticket for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Cameroon secured the victory through 19-year-old Myriam Nyadjou, who scored the only goal of the match from a free kick in the 19th minute. Her powerful effort beat Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and found the back of the net.

The goal was Nyadjou’s first of the tournament and proved enough to send the Indomitable Lionesses into the semi-finals, where they will face hosts Morocco in Rabat on Wednesday.

The record 10-time WAFCON champions pushed hard for an equaliser as the match entered its final stages but were repeatedly denied by Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina, who produced several impressive saves to preserve her team’s lead.

Nigeria came closest to levelling the scores in the third minute of added time when Esther Okoronkwo won possession after challenging Bihina, but her effort narrowly missed the far post.

Shortly before that opportunity, Nigeria introduced six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala, who had not been fit enough to start the encounter. However, the Saudi-based forward was unable to inspire a late comeback.

Cameroon held on to secure only their second victory over Nigeria in 14 WAFCON meetings, prompting celebrations from their players and coaching staff at the final whistle.

The defeat ends Nigeria’s defence of the continental title and places their hopes of reaching the 2027 Women’s World Cup in serious jeopardy.

If the Super Falcons fail to qualify through the play-offs, it would mark the first time they have missed the Women’s World Cup since the tournament was introduced in 1991.

Nigeria had reached the Round of 16 at the last Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where they were eliminated by England on penalties.

The Super Falcons had also defeated Cameroon to secure qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Meanwhile, Cameroon will continue their WAFCON campaign against hosts Morocco in the semi-final, while the other semi-final will feature Algeria against the winner of the quarter-final between Malawi and Ghana.