Cameroon’s strength hailed after Nigeria WAFCON shock

Cameroon midfielder Naomi Eto has praised the Indomitable Lionesses’ collective spirit after they stunned 10-time champions Nigeria 1-0 to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Sunday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Myriam Wamen’s stunning 19th-minute free-kick was the difference between the two sides as Cameroon got their second win over Nigeria.

Eto, who made her WAFCON debut this year after emerging as one of Cameroon’s standout players at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, has quickly established herself as an important member of the team.

The 21-year-old has been part of Cameroon’s unbeaten run at the tournament and believes their unity has been central to their success.

“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.

“Of course, we have talented players individually, but it is above all the group that is our strength. Our common goal always remains the same — to obtain the best possible result.”

Cameroon qualified for the expanded 16-team tournament and have continued to defy expectations, progressing to the last four without defeat.

Their latest victory came against Nigeria, the most successful nation in WAFCON history, with Cameroon producing a disciplined performance to secure a place in the semi-finals.

For Eto, the achievement reflects a team that has approached the tournament with confidence and without fear, despite being considered outsiders before the competition.

The midfielder, who featured prominently in Cameroon’s youth set-up before making the step up to the senior team, will now hope to help the Lionesses maintain their unbeaten run as they target a place in the final.