Nigeria eliminated by Cameroon at WAFCON 2026, miss World Cup spot
Nigeria’s hopes of retaining the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title ended in dramatic fashion on Sunday as the Super Falcons lost 1-0 to Cameroon in the quarter-finals in Casablanca.
The defeat not only ended Nigeria’s title defence but also denied the 10-time African champions an automatic place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, which was reserved for the four WAFCON semi-finalists.
Nyadjou’s free-kick decides the tie
Cameroon took the lead in the 19th minute through Myriam Nyadjou, whose powerful free-kick beat goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and flew into the corner of the net.
The goal was the 19-year-old defender’s first of the tournament and ultimately proved decisive in one of the biggest upsets of WAFCON 2026.
Nigeria enjoyed more possession for long periods but struggled to break down a disciplined Cameroonian defence.
Bihina keeps Cameroon ahead
Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina produced a series of important saves as the Super Falcons increased the pressure in the closing stages.
Nigeria’s best opportunity arrived in the third minute of stoppage time when Esther Okoronkwo raced onto a loose ball after a challenge with Bihina, but her effort rolled narrowly wide of the far post.
The miss summed up a frustrating evening for the defending champions.
Oshoala unable to change the game
Head coach Justine Madugu introduced Asisat Oshoala late in the match after the six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year was deemed not fit enough to start.
The experienced striker was unable to influence the contest, and Cameroon comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to secure only their second victory over Nigeria in 14 WAFCON meetings.
As the final whistle sounded, Cameroon’s substitutes and coaching staff flooded onto the pitch to celebrate a famous result.
Cameroon reach Semi-Finals and World Cup
The victory sends the Indomitable Lionesses into Wednesday’s semi-final against hosts Morocco in Rabat and confirms their qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
For Cameroon, the result represents one of their most significant achievements in women’s football in recent years, particularly against their long-time regional rivals.
Nigeria face unfamiliar World Cup uncertainty
Nigeria have qualified for every Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991. Their quarter-final exit means they must now attempt to reach Brazil through the WAFCON play-off pathway.
Failure to secure qualification through that route would mark the first time in history that the Super Falcons miss a Women’s World Cup.
The result is a major setback for a team that reached the Round of 16 at the 2023 Women’s World Cup before losing to England on penalties and had defeated Cameroon to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
What comes next?
Nigeria will now focus on the remaining qualification route, while Cameroon continue their campaign with renewed belief against Morocco.
For the Super Falcons, the immediate challenge is recovering from a painful defeat and ensuring that an unprecedented World Cup absence does not become reality.
SportsLigue
