By Sabiu Abdullahi
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been eliminated from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon on Sunday.
The result at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium ended Nigeria’s defence of the continental title and left the nine-time African champions facing a tougher route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Cameroon secured the victory through Myriam Nyadjou, who scored the decisive goal in the 20th minute.
The encounter was closely fought, with both teams engaging in physical challenges and intense battles in midfield.
Nigeria struggled to create clear opportunities after falling behind. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade attempted to control the game and organise the Super Falcons’ attacks, but the team relied largely on efforts from distance during the first half.
Cameroon returned from the break with greater intensity and applied pressure higher up the pitch. The approach disrupted Nigeria’s attempts to build attacks and limited the Super Falcons’ ability to find openings.
Nigeria increased the pressure as the match progressed and continued its search for an equaliser into stoppage time. Cameroon, however, maintained its defensive shape until the final whistle.
The victory gave Cameroon its first WAFCON knockout-stage win over Nigeria since the 2012 third-place play-off.
Cameroon will now advance to the semi-finals, which guarantees the team a top-four finish and an automatic qualification spot for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Nigeria, by contrast, will have to go through a playoff tournament to secure a place at the 2027 World Cup.
