The Super Falcons of Nigeria suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.
The defeat ended Nigeria’s hopes of securing automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, but the Super Falcons can still qualify through the intercontinental play-offs, with two of the four Wafcon quarter-final losers earning places in the play-off tournament.
Nigeria went into the encounter in Casablanca needing victory to keep their title defence alive and book their place in the semi-finals, but a first-half free-kick from Myriam Nyadjou proved decisive.
Cameroon took the lead in the 19th minute when Nyadjou spotted an opening and unleashed a superb free-kick that found the back of the net, giving the Indomitable Lionesses a crucial advantage.
The Super Falcons immediately pushed for an equaliser and created several promising opportunities as they applied sustained pressure on the Cameroonian defence.
However, they were unable to find a breakthrough before the interval.
Rinsola Babajide was replaced by Uchenna Kanu in the 38th minute as Nigeria looked for a way back into the contest.
The defending champions continued to dominate proceedings after the restart, launching wave after wave of attacks in search of an equaliser.
Justine Madugu made another double substitution in the 62nd minute, introducing Toni Payne and Esther Okoronkwo for Gift Monday and Christy Ucheibe.
Despite their continued pressure, the Super Falcons could not find the goal they needed, with Cameroon holding firm to secure a narrow victory.
Wale Adejumo
Photo Credit: Super Falcons Show
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