The Super Falcons of Nigeria have crashed out of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after losing 1-0 to Cameroon in their quarter-final clash in Casablanca on Sunday.
The defending champions were punished by Myriam Maéva Nyadjou Wamen’s 19th-minute strike, which proved decisive as the Indomitable Lionesses held on to secure a place in the semi-finals.
The goal came at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium as Wamen found the breakthrough to put Cameroon ahead and pile pressure on the Nigerian side, who were seeking to continue their defence of the continental title.
Nigeria gradually took control as the first half progressed, dominating possession and pushing forward in search of an equaliser. However, the Super Falcons were unable to convert their pressure into a goal before the interval.
The Nigerians maintained their attacking approach after the restart, with the team continuing to probe the Cameroonian defence for a way back into the game.
Cameroon, however, remained resolute at the back, while their goalkeeper produced a crucial close-range save in the second half to deny the Super Falcons what could have been the equalising goal.
Despite sustained pressure from Nigeria, the Indomitable Lionesses successfully protected their narrow advantage until the final whistle.
The result ends Nigeria’s hopes of retaining the WAFCON trophy and denies the Super Falcons a place in the semi-finals of the competition.
It also has major implications for Nigeria’s qualification hopes for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The four WAFCON semi-finalists are guaranteed automatic qualification for the global tournament, meaning Nigeria will not secure the automatic ticket after their quarter-final exit.
The Super Falcons had entered the knockout stage as defending champions and had been favourites to progress, particularly given their impressive record against Cameroon at the WAFCON.
Nigeria defeated Cameroon 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the 2022 edition and had generally dominated their previous encounters at the continental tournament.
The Falcons had also reached the knockout stages at every centralised edition of the WAFCON and were targeting a record-extending 10th appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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That ambition has now suffered a setback following the defeat to Cameroon.
For the Indomitable Lionesses, the victory represents another significant step in their campaign as they advance to the last four.
Cameroon will face hosts Morocco in the semi-finals after Morocco defeated South Africa 2-1 in their quarter-final encounter.
The Super Falcons, meanwhile, will have to regroup after surrendering their continental crown and missing out on a direct route to the 2027 Women’s World Cup through the WAFCON semi-finals.
