By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been eliminated from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in their quarter-final clash in Casablanca on Sunday.
The defeat ended Nigeria’s hopes of defending their WAFCON title and also denied the 10-time African champions automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Cameroon secured the victory through a stunning free-kick from Myriam Nyadjou, who struck in the 19th minute to give the Indomitable Lionesses the lead.
The 19-year-old’s effort proved decisive as Nigeria struggled to find a way past Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina, who produced several important saves to preserve her side’s advantage.
The Super Falcons pushed for an equaliser, particularly in the second half, but their efforts failed to produce a goal.
Nigeria came closest in stoppage time when Esther Okoronkwo raced through on goal, but her effort went wide of the far post.
Six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala was introduced late in the match after not being sufficiently fit to start, but she could not inspire a comeback.
The result sends Cameroon into the semi-finals, where they will face hosts Morocco, while also securing their place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
For Nigeria, the defeat represents a major setback. The Super Falcons had won the previous WAFCON and were seeking an 11th continental title.
They will now have to rely on the World Cup play-off route to secure a place at the 2027 tournament in Brazil.
The defeat also marks a rare early exit for Nigeria at the continental championship, with the Super Falcons having traditionally reached at least the semi-final stage of the competition.
