Cameroon have ended Nigeria’s title defence at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over the Super Falcons in Sunday’s quarter-final clash in Casablanca.
The Indomitable Lionesses struck through Myriam Maéva Nyadjou Wamen in the first half, with her 19th-minute effort proving enough to settle the tense encounter.
Nigeria, the defending champions, pushed for an equaliser but struggled to find a breakthrough as Cameroon held firm to protect their advantage and book a place in the semi-finals.
The defeat represents a major setback for the Super Falcons, who had entered the knockout stage seeking to retain their continental crown. It also means Nigeria have missed out on automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the quarter-final winners earning World Cup tickets.
The match had been billed as another heavyweight encounter between two of Africa’s most successful women’s football nations. Cameroon topped Group D to reach the quarter-finals, while Nigeria advanced as defending champions.
For Cameroon, the victory provides another memorable chapter in their rivalry with Nigeria and keeps their hopes of lifting the WAFCON trophy alive.
For the Super Falcons, however, the result brings a disappointing early end to their campaign and leaves the reigning champions facing an unexpected fight to secure their place at the next Women’s World Cup.
