Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been knocked out of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a narrow 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon in Casablanca, Morocco.
Cameroon took the lead in the 20th minute through Myriam Nyadjou, whose goal proved decisive as the Indomitable Lionesses held on to secure a place in the semi-finals.
The Falcons responded with sustained pressure and created opportunities for an equaliser, but Cameroon’s defence remained organised while goalkeeper Michaely Bihina made important saves to preserve her side’s lead.
The defeat ends Nigeria’s hopes of defending its WAFCON title and means the Super Falcons will not secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup through this tournament. Cameroon, meanwhile, secured both a semi-final place and an automatic World Cup ticket.
Nigeria’s World Cup hopes are not over, however. The Falcons will now have to pursue qualification through the playoff route, with the remaining World Cup places to be determined through the tournament’s qualification pathway.
For the 10-time African champions, the focus now shifts from defending their continental crown to securing a place at the 2027 global showpiece.
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