Super Falcons crashes out from WAFCON after 1-0 lose to Cameroon

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been knocked out of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a narrow 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon, ending the defending champions’ campaign and their hopes of securing an automatic place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

The defeat in Casablanca delivered a major setback for the record 10-time African champions, while Cameroon celebrated one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.

The decisive moment came after just 19 minutes when 19-year-old Myriam Nyadjou stepped up to take a free-kick and unleashed a powerful effort that flew beyond Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie before nestling in the corner.

It was Nyadjou’s first goal of the tournament—but it turned out to be enough to settle the contest.

Cameroon held firm as Nigeria increased the pressure, particularly during the closing stages, with goalkeeper Michaely Bihina emerging as one of the Indomitable Lionesses’ key figures.

Bihina repeatedly denied the Falcons as they searched desperately for an equaliser, keeping Cameroon’s slender advantage intact.

Nigeria came agonisingly close in stoppage time.

Esther Okoronkwo managed to get ahead of Bihina and found an opening, but her attempt rolled just beyond the far post as the Falcons’ last major opportunity disappeared.

Cameroon book semi-final and World Cup place

The victory sends Cameroon through to the WAFCON semi-finals, where they will face hosts Morocco in Rabat on Wednesday.

More importantly, Cameroon’s progression also secures their qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

For Nigeria, the consequences are significant. The Super Falcons entered the tournament as defending champions but will now have to watch the remaining qualification race unfold after surrendering their chance to qualify automatically through the WAFCON.

The result also ends another chapter in the Falcons’ remarkable continental history.

Nigeria remain the record 10-time WAFCON champions, but their latest title defence has ended at the quarter-final stage—while Cameroon move on with belief, momentum and a place at next year’s global tournament already secured.