The Super Falcons have crashed out of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after losing 1-0 to rivals Cameroon in a quarter-final match on Sunday.
The defeat at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca also means Nigeria have lost out on an automatic ticket to the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Myriam Nyadjou’s stunning free-kick proved decisive as the Indomitable Lionesses produced a resolute defensive display to secure a place in the WAFCON semi-finals and book their spot at next year’s global tournament.
Nigeria started brightly and looked determined to take control of the encounter, but Cameroon took the lead in the 19th minute.
Nyadjou, 19, stepped up to take a free-kick and unleashed a superb effort into the top corner, leaving Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie with no chance.
The Super Falcons almost responded immediately when Rasheedat Ajibade delivered a dangerous ball across the box for Gift Monday, but Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina made an excellent save to deny the Nigerian forward.
Bihina continued to frustrate Nigeria as the first half progressed, intervening again in the 38th minute to prevent a dangerous cross from reaching Monday.
Nigeria head coach Justin Madugu responded by introducing Uchenna Kanu for Rinsola Babajide as the Falcons searched for an equaliser.
The Nigerians came close again when a dangerous cross found Jennifer Echegini, but the midfielder failed to make proper contact and Bihina gathered comfortably.
The Cameroonian goalkeeper was called into action once more before the break, saving Kanu’s volley before punching Michelle Alozie’s free-kick away from danger.
Nigeria resumed the second half with renewed urgency and dominated possession as they searched for a way back into the contest. However, Bihina remained outstanding between the posts, producing another fine save in the 57th minute to keep out Deborah Abiodun’s long-range effort.
Madugu made a double substitution five minutes later, bringing on Esther Okoronkwo and Toni Payne for Gift Monday and Christy Ucheibe. Okoronkwo almost made an immediate impact, but Bihina was equal to her free-kick.
The Cameroonian goalkeeper then produced arguably her best save of the match when she denied Kanu from close range after the Nigerian forward’s header appeared destined for the back of the net.
Echegini was also denied by Bihina in the 79th minute as the Super Falcons continued to pile pressure on the Indomitable Lionesses.
At the other end, Nnadozie was forced into action in the 84th minute, making a superb save to prevent another dangerous Cameroonian free-kick from doubling the deficit.
Nigeria had one final opportunity to rescue the game deep into stoppage time, but Okoronkwo fired wide after being played through on goal. The Super Falcons continued to push for an equaliser until the final whistle, but Cameroon held firm to secure a famous victory and eliminate the defending champions.
The result means Nigeria will not defend their WAFCON title and have missed out on an automatic qualification ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Cameroon, meanwhile, advance to the semi-finals and secure their place at next year’s World Cup. The victory was only Cameroon’s second against Nigeria in 14 WAFCON meetings.
The Indomitable Lionesses now join Algeria and hosts Morocco among the teams to have secured qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the World Cup are not over but the Super Falcons will now have to go through the playoff route to keep their qualification hopes alive.
