Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been eliminated from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after Cameroon secured a 1-0 quarter-final victory at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday.
Myriam Nyadjou’s superb free-kick was enough to send the Indomitable Lionesses into the semi-finals and secure their qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nyadjou stuns Nigeria with free-kick
Nigeria started brightly and looked to impose themselves early, but Cameroon took the lead in the 19th minute.
Nyadjou stepped up for a free-kick and produced a brilliant strike into the top corner, leaving Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie with no chance.
The 19-year-old’s effort gave Cameroon confidence, while Nigeria struggled to turn their possession into a clear-cut equaliser.
Rasheedat Ajibade came close to creating an immediate response when she delivered the ball across the penalty area for Gift Monday, but Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina made an important save.
Bihina continued to frustrate Nigeria before the interval, denying Monday again before keeping out a volley from Uchenna Kanu and punching Michelle Alozie’s free-kick to safety.
Nigeria head coach Justin Madugu introduced Kanu for Rinsola Babajide as he sought more attacking threat.
Bihina keeps Falcons at bay
The Super Falcons increased the pressure after the restart, dominating possession as they searched for a way back into the contest.
Jennifer Echegini was unable to make the most of an opportunity inside the area, while Bihina produced another important intervention to deny Deborah Abiodun’s long-range effort in the 57th minute.
Nigeria continued to push forward, but Cameroon remained organised and disciplined defensively.
The Indomitable Lionesses successfully protected their narrow advantage until the final whistle to secure only their second victory over Nigeria in 14 meetings.
The result ends Nigeria’s defence of the WAFCON title and sends Cameroon into the semi-finals alongside Algeria and hosts Morocco.
Falcons face playoff route to World Cup
Despite the disappointment, Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2027 Women’s World Cup are not over.
The Super Falcons will now have to navigate the African qualifying playoffs to keep their hopes of appearing at next year’s tournament in Brazil alive.
Cameroon, meanwhile, have already secured their place at the World Cup alongside Algeria and Morocco after reaching the WAFCON semi-finals.