Nigeria’s defence of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title is over after Cameroon produced a disciplined 1-0 victory over the Super Falcons in Casablanca on Sunday, ending their hopes of reaching a fourth successive final and securing automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Indomitable Lionesses found the breakthrough in the 19th minute through Myriam Nyadjou, whose superb free kick flew into the top corner beyond the reach of Chiamaka Nnadozie.
It was a moment of individual quality that ultimately separated two sides with a long and fiercely competitive history at this tournament.
Nigeria started with intent, with Rasheedat Ajibade seeing an early effort comfortably saved by Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina.
But the Indomitable Lionesses gradually established greater control in midfield, with Charlene Meyong and Monique Ngock helping Cameroon dictate the rhythm.
Nigeria’s task became more complicated when Michelle Alozie was booked in the 13th minute for stopping a counterattack.
Five minutes later, Cameroon won a free kick just outside the Nigerian penalty area after Jennifer Echegini was penalised for a foul.
Nyadjou took responsibility with her curling effort struck with power and precision, rising beyond Nnadozie before crashing into the top corner.
READMORE: ‘Kun Khalifat is not up for sale’ – club president Amaefula dismisses rumours
Nigeria almost responded immediately, dangerous cross found Gift Monday inside the area, but Bihina reacted sharply to keep out the Nigerian forward’s effort.
Jennifer Echegini also tested Bihina before the interval, while Ajibade came close with a header from a corner, but Cameroon reached half time with their advantage intact.
The Super Falcons returned from the interval with greater urgency. Deborah Abiodun tested Bihina from distance in the 57th minute before Alozie found space inside the area shortly afterwards, only to fire over.
Cameroon increasingly adopted a deeper defensive shape, inviting Nigeria forward and looking for opportunities on the counter.
That approach nearly paid off when Naomi Eto found herself with space after a Nigerian turnover, but Nnadozie dealt comfortably with the attempt.
Nigeria’s best opportunity came in the 69th minute when Esther Okoronkwo delivered an inviting cross into the area and Uchenna Kanu rose to meet it.
The header appeared destined to level the contest, but Bihina produced a superb reflex save to preserve Cameroon’s lead.
Cameroon then came close to a second when Nyadjou stepped up for another dangerous free kick in the 76th minute. This time, Nnadozie responded brilliantly, tipping the effort over the crossbar.
Okoronkwo comes agonisingly close
Nigeria continued to search for a way back into the contest as the clock ran down.
Their final major opportunity arrived deep into stoppage time when Okoronkwo capitalized on a defensive lapse and raced through one-on-one with Bihina.
With Asisat Oshoala available to her left but Okoronkwo chose to shoot but the effort drifted agonizingly wide.
Cameroon survived the closing seconds and celebrated a victory that carried significance far beyond one quarter final.
A remarkable Nigeria record comes to an end
The result is particularly significant given Nigeria’s extraordinary record at the WAFCON.
The Super Falcons had reached the knockout stage at every centralized edition of the tournament and had never previously failed to reach at least the semi-finals.
They had also won both of their previous WAFCON quarterfinals, including a 1-0 victory over Cameroon in 2022, when Ajibade scored the decisive goal.
Nigeria had dominated this fixture historically, winning 11 of the previous 13 WAFCON meetings either in open play or via penalties.
READMORE: BREAKING: NPFL releases Matchday 1 fixtures for 2026/27 season
Cameroon’s victory therefore represents only their second success against Nigeria at the finals and their first in the knockout rounds since their famous 1-0 third-place playoff victory in 2012.
It also ends Nigeria’s latest title defence at the last-eight stage.
The Super Falcons had entered the tournament as defending champions and recovered impressively after their opening 3-2 defeat by Malawi, beating Zambia 1-0 before dismantling Egypt 6-2.
But against Cameroon, they could not find the goal that would have kept their campaign alive.
World Cup qualification route changes
Cameroon’s victory also has major consequences beyond the WAFCON because by reaching the semi finals, the Indomitable Lionesses have secured automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Nigeria, meanwhile, must now pursue qualification through the additional continental and intercontinental playoff route rather than securing one of Africa’s direct places through a WAFCON semi final berth.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
