Nigeria’s Super Falcons have crashed out of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after losing 1–0 to Cameroon in a fiercely contested quarter-final clash on Sunday.
The defending champions were hoping to secure a place in the semi-finals and book an automatic ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, but Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses ended their title defence at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Myriam Nyadjou scored the decisive goal in the 19th minute, giving Cameroon the advantage and leaving Nigeria with a mountain to climb for the remainder of the encounter.
The Super Falcons pushed for an equaliser but were unable to breach the Cameroonian defence as the Indomitable Lionesses held on to their narrow lead until the final whistle.
The defeat marks a major setback for Nigeria, who entered the tournament as defending champions and one of the favourites to retain the continental title.
It also means the Super Falcons have missed out on an automatic qualification ticket for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The result is particularly painful given Nigeria’s strong historical record against Cameroon in the WAFCON. The Super Falcons had won their previous knockout meetings with the Indomitable Lionesses, including a 1–0 quarter-final victory in 2022.
Nigeria’s elimination brings an abrupt end to their campaign and leaves the team facing questions over their inability to convert their opportunities in a match of such significance.
