Key points
- Nigeria lost 1-0 to Cameroon in the WAFCON quarter-finals in Casablanca.
- Myriam Nyadjou scored the only goal in the 20th minute.
- The defeat ends Nigeria’s hopes of defending its continental title.
- The Super Falcons must now rely on the playoff route for 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification.
Main story
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been eliminated from the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon in Casablanca, Morocco.
Myriam Nyadjou scored in the 20th minute at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium to give Cameroon the lead, which the Indomitable Lionesses held until the final whistle.
Nigeria responded by increasing the pressure and creating opportunities to draw level, but Cameroon’s defence remained organised and restricted the Super Falcons from finding a clear opening.
Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina was also instrumental in preserving Cameroon’s advantage, making crucial saves as Nigeria pushed for an equaliser.
The Super Falcons continued their search for a goal in the closing stages but could not break through Cameroon’s defence.
The defeat ends Nigeria’s bid to retain the continental title and means the 10-time African champions will not secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup through the WAFCON route.
Cameroon, meanwhile, secured its place at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil and remains in contention for the African title.
The issues
Nigeria’s defeat puts its World Cup qualification campaign on a more difficult path. While Cameroon has secured automatic qualification, the Super Falcons will now have to navigate the playoff route to reach the expanded global tournament.
What’s next
Nigeria will now turn its attention to the playoff route for World Cup qualification. Cameroon joins Algeria and Morocco among the African teams that have already secured automatic qualification, while the final automatic African ticket will be determined by the quarter-final between Ghana and Malawi.
Bottom line
Cameroon’s 1-0 victory ended Nigeria’s WAFCON title defence and automatic World Cup qualification hopes, leaving the Super Falcons to pursue the playoff route to Brazil 2027.
