Cameroon Sends Nigeria Home, Secures World Cup Spot

Cameroon has ended Nigeria's run as African champions by beating the Super Falcons 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca on Sunday.

The Indomitable Lionesses are now in the semi-finals. They also earned a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil after a strong performance that kept the defending champions at bay throughout the match.

Nigeria came into the quarter-final as the most successful team in WAFCON history. They had dominated past matches with Cameroon, but the Lionesses showed discipline and secured only their second win over the Falcons in the tournament.

Cameroon took the lead in the 19th minute when 20-year-old Myriam Wamen hit a powerful long-range shot that went into the top corner, out of reach of Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

The Falcons quickly responded, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade sending a dangerous cross into the box. However, Gift Monday could not connect properly with the ball.

Nigeria kept pushing for an equaliser and almost scored in the 28th minute when Morinsola Babajide’s pass found Jennifer Echegini, but her shot was saved by Cameroon’s goalkeeper Michaely Binha.

The Lionesses stayed organised and went into halftime with their narrow lead intact.

After the break, Nigeria increased the pressure but found Binha in excellent form. The goalkeeper made a key save in the 70th minute, reaching out to stop Ochenna Kanu’s powerful header and keep Cameroon in front.

Cameroon nearly scored again six minutes before the end when Achta Njoya’s free-kick from a tight angle forced Nnadozie to tip the ball over the crossbar.

The Falcons pushed hard for an equaliser but could not break through the Cameroonian defence. Substitute Ijeoma Okoronkwo nearly forced extra time when she outpaced her marker but sent her left-footed shot just wide.

Cameroon held on in the final minutes to secure a memorable win and end Nigeria’s chance for a second straight WAFCON title.

This defeat means Nigeria will not defend the trophy they won last time.

For Cameroon, this victory is a big turnaround against their rivals. Nigeria had won nine of their previous 13 WAFCON matches, with Cameroon having only one win before Sunday’s quarter-final.

The result also means that a new African champion will be crowned in Morocco. Meanwhile, Cameroon moves on to the semi-finals and qualifies for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.