The Nigeria women’s national football team staged a spirited comeback to defeat the Cameroon women’s national football team 3–1 in a pre-WAFCON international friendly on Tuesday in Yaoundé.
Cameroon struck early, capitalising on a swift counterattack just seven minutes into the encounter to take the lead. However, the nine-time African champions responded strongly.
Nigeria restored parity in the 32nd minute when Chinwendu Ihezuo rose highest to head home a pinpoint delivery from Rinsola Babajide.
Buoyed by the equaliser, the Super Falcons pressed for more and were rewarded just before halftime. Babajide turned from provider to scorer, reacting quickest in a crowded penalty area to fire Nigeria into the lead two minutes before the break.
The momentum continued in the second half, with Nigeria dictating the tempo. In the 64th minute, Michelle Alozie calmly finished to extend the advantage and seal a morale-boosting victory.
The win marks a turnaround for Coach Justin Madugu’s side, who had suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat in the first leg of the two-game friendly series.
Focus on WAFCON 2026
The result provides a significant confidence boost as Nigeria prepares to defend its title at the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026, scheduled to kick off on March 17.
Drawn in Group C, Nigeria will face Zambia’s Copper Queens, Malawi’s Scorchers, and Egypt’s Cleopatras. The Super Falcons begin their campaign against Malawi on March 18, before taking on Zambia (March 21) and Egypt (March 24).
The 2026 WAFCON will also serve as a qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the top four African teams earning tickets to the global showpiece.
