AFCON 2025
Cameroon ended Nigeria’s title defence at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, beating the Super Falcons 1-0 in the quarter-final at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Defender Myriam Maéva Nyadjou Wamen scored the only goal in the 19th minute, converting a direct free-kick past goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The goal came against the run of play, with Rasheedat Ajibade having tested Cameroon’s goalkeeper from range in the opening minute of the match.
Nigeria created chances in both halves but could not find an equaliser. Cameroon’s goalkeeper denied Gift Monday from close range shortly after the opening goal and later saved an effort from PSG midfielder Jennifer Echegini. The Super Falcons held the majority of possession in the second half without converting it into a goal.
The defeat ends Nigeria’s defence of the title they won against Morocco at the last WAFCON and rules them out of automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, a spot reserved for the tournament’s four semi-finalists. It marks Nigeria’s first WAFCON knockout-stage loss to Cameroon, a fixture the Super Falcons had previously won nine times in regulation and twice on penalties across 13 meetings.
Head coach Justine Madugu had raised concerns about his team’s defence before the match, noting that Nigeria conceded five goals across the group stage. A set-piece proved decisive in the quarter-final loss.
Cameroon advance to the semi-final to face hosts Morocco, who beat South Africa 2-1 in their quarter-final. Nigeria will play South Africa on Thursday in Casablanca in the third-place playoff, with a place in the FIFA inter-confederation play-off tournament at stake.
Nigeria’s squad for the tournament included several members of last year’s title-winning side, among them Ajibade, Nnadozie and Asisat Oshoala.
