WAFCON: Cameroon Eliminate Nigeria in Quarters
Cameroon produced a disciplined and resilient performance to defeat defending champions Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca on Sunday, securing a semi-final place, direct qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027, and guaranteeing that a new continental champion will be crowned in Morocco.
The Indomitable Lionesses struck early and then held firm against sustained pressure from the Super Falcons, ending Nigeria’s title defence in a fiercely contested encounter that underscored both Cameroon’s organisation and the tournament’s competitive depth. Twenty-year-old Myriam Maéva Nyadjou delivered the decisive moment in the 19th minute, unleashing a thunderous long-range effort that flew into the top corner beyond the reach of Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. The strike left the experienced shot-stopper with no realistic chance and gave Cameroon a lead they would protect for the remainder of the match.
Nigeria responded almost immediately. A minute after the goal, Rasheedat Ajibade delivered a dangerous cross into the area, but Gift Monday was unable to make a clean connection after the initial opportunity had been dealt with. The Super Falcons continued to press and created another clear opening in the 28th minute when Rinsola Babajide’s delivery found Jennifer Echegini in a promising position. Echegini’s effort was well saved as Cameroon maintained their defensive shape and carried the slender advantage into half-time.
The second half saw Nigeria increase the intensity in search of an equaliser. Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina rose to the challenge, producing one of the outstanding saves of the tournament in the 70th minute when she stretched out a strong hand to deny Uchenna Kanu’s powerful header. That intervention preserved the lead at a critical juncture. Cameroon nearly extended their advantage six minutes from time when Achta Toko Njoya struck a well-directed free-kick from a tight angle, forcing Nnadozie into a sharp save as she tipped the ball over the crossbar.
In the closing stages the defending champions threw everything forward. Substitute Esther Okoronkwo used her pace to beat her marker and sent a left-footed effort that drifted agonisingly wide of the post. Cameroon remained compact and organised, absorbing the pressure and seeing out the final minutes to secure a memorable victory. The result eliminated the reigning champions and ensured that the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 will produce a first-time winner this edition.
The outcome carries significant implications beyond the immediate semi-final qualification. All four teams that reach the last four earn automatic places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Cameroon’s success marks their return to the global stage after previous appearances and represents a notable achievement for a side that had missed the previous edition of the continental tournament. Nigeria, historically the most successful team in the competition’s history with multiple titles, must now pursue an alternative route through intercontinental play-offs if they are to secure a place in Brazil.
The match itself highlighted the fine margins at this level. Nigeria enjoyed periods of possession and created the greater number of opportunities, yet Cameroon’s defensive structure, Bihina’s command of her area, and Nyadjou’s clinical early strike proved decisive. The Indomitable Lionesses demonstrated the ability to absorb pressure and capitalise on limited chances, qualities that will serve them well in the later stages. For Nigeria the defeat ends their defence of the title and shifts focus toward salvaging World Cup qualification through the remaining pathway available to the losing quarter-finalists.
Host nation Morocco, who advanced earlier, await Cameroon in the semi-finals, setting up a compelling contest between the hosts and a side that has already demonstrated the capacity to upset established favourites. The broader tournament narrative has been reshaped by Sunday’s result: the elimination of the defending champions opens the field and underlines the growing competitiveness of women’s football across the continent. Cameroon’s path to this point included a determined return after missing the previous edition, and their performance against Nigeria affirmed their credentials among Africa’s elite.
