Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been eliminated from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the quarter-final on Sunday.
Gatekeepers News reports that the defending champions fell behind in the 19th minute when Cameroon’s Myriam Wamen fired a powerful long-range effort into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie with little chance.
Nigeria tried to respond, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade leading the attack. Jennifer Echegini also came close in the first half, while Ochenna Kanu had a header saved by Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Binha after the restart. However, the Falcons were unable to find an equaliser.
The defeat ended Nigeria’s bid to retain the WAFCON title and brought their dominance over Cameroon at the tournament to an end. Nigeria had previously won nine of their 13 WAFCON meetings with the Indomitable Lionesses.
Cameroon’s victory sends the Lionesses into the semi-finals and automatically qualifies them for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, as the four WAFCON semi-finalists are guaranteed World Cup places.
Nigeria, however, still have a chance to reach the World Cup through the play-off route. The Falcons are scheduled to face South Africa on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 9pm Nigerian time in a crucial qualification match.
The 2026 WAFCON is serving as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with the losing quarter-finalists required to enter the additional qualification route.
