Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been knocked out of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a narrow 1–0 defeat to Cameroon in a tense quarter-final clash in Casablanca on Sunday.
The Indomitable Lionesses took the lead in the 19th minute, with Myriam Maéva Nyadjou Wamen finding the breakthrough and putting Nigeria under pressure.
The Super Falcons responded strongly and created several opportunities to level the scores. Jennifer Echegini came close in the 28th minute, but Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina produced a crucial save to deny Nigeria.
Nigeria continued to push after the break, with the Falcons increasing the pressure in search of an equaliser. However, Cameroon’s defence stood firm, while Bihina continued to frustrate Nigeria’s attackers.
Despite seven minutes of added time, the Super Falcons could not find the breakthrough as Cameroon held on to secure a place in the semi-finals.
The victory also earns Cameroon an automatic ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while Nigeria will now have to go through the play-off route to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
The result ends Nigeria’s hopes of successfully defending their WAFCON title and is a major setback for the 10-time African champions, who had dominated this rivalry over the years.
For the Super Falcons, attention now turns to the World Cup play-offs, where they will have another opportunity to secure qualification for the global tournament.
