Cameroon midfielder Naomi Eto has credited the Indomitable Lionesses’ unity and fighting spirit for their impressive run at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after they eliminated defending champions Nigeria in the quarterfinals.
Cameroon secured a 1-0 victory over the Super Falcons in Casablanca on Sunday, with Myriam Wamen’s stunning 19th-minute free kick proving enough to send the Lionesses into the semi finals.
The result was one of the biggest statements of the tournament so far, as Cameroon defeated Nigeria, the most successful team in WAFCON history, to remain unbeaten and keep their hopes of winning the title alive.
The victory was less about individual performances and more about the bond within the squad.
“Our greatest strength is the collective. There is an excellent atmosphere within the group, which allows us to approach each match with a lot of confidence and positivity,” Eto told CAF Online.
“Above all, we have a real fighting spirit. We constantly support each other, we encourage each other and, on the pitch, we form a real family.”
READMORE: Explained: What Nigeria must do to reach the 2027 Women’s World Cup after Cameroon defeat
The 21-year-old has emerged as an important player for Cameroon since making her senior-team breakthrough, following her experience with the country’s youth teams and appearance at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
Her first WAFCON campaign has now taken her into the final four, with Cameroon yet to taste defeat in the expanded 16-team tournament.
Eto believes that consistency has been driven by a shared purpose within the squad rather than dependence on individual talent.
“Of course, we have talented players individually, but it is above all the group that is our strength,” she said. “Our common goal always remains the same to obtain the best possible result.”
Cameroon entered the tournament without carrying the same expectations as some of the traditional favourites, but their unbeaten run has now included a statement victory over Nigeria.
The Indomitable Lionesses defended their lead resolutely after Wamen’s freekick and survived sustained pressure from the Super Falcons, with goalkeeper Michaely Bihina making several important saves to preserve the advantage.
The victory also secured Cameroon an automatic place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, while Nigeria were forced into the African playoff route for another opportunity to qualify.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Cameroons attention now turns to the semifinals against host nation Morocco, where Cameroon will attempt to extend their unbeaten run and move one step closer to a first WAFCON title.
