Nigeria kicked out of 2026 WAFCON in shock loss to Cameroun

Nigeria’s Super Falcons suffered a historic setback on Sunday, losing 1-0 to Cameroun in their WAFCON quarter-final in Casablanca and missing out on the semi-finals for the first time in the competition’s history.

Teenage defender Maeva Nyadjou scored the decisive goal in the 20th minute, firing a thunderous free kick from around 30 yards beyond goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Nigeria dominated possession and created the better chances for much of the match but were unable to find an equaliser, with Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina producing a series of crucial saves to preserve her side’s lead.

Rasheedat Ajibade tested Bihina early on, while Gift Monday came close to an immediate response after Cameroun took the lead. Bihina then denied Jennifer Echegini in the 28th minute before producing arguably her finest save in the 70th minute, making a superb left-handed stop to keep out Uchenna Kanu from close range.

Cameroun also threatened a second, with Achta Toko Njoya forcing a save from Nnadozie following a foul on Grace Mendoua.

Nigeria threw everything forward late on, with Asisat Oshoala introduced in stoppage time, but the equaliser remained elusive. Esther Okoronkwo had the best opportunity in the dying moments after beating Bihina, only to roll her effort wide instead of squaring for Oshoala.

The defeat ends Nigeria’s remarkable record of reaching at least the semi-finals at every previous edition of Africa’s premier women’s football competition.

Cameroun, meanwhile, secure their place at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil and will face hosts Morocco in Wednesday’s semi-final in Rabat.

Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the World Cup are not over, however. The Super Falcons will face South Africa in one of Wednesday’s play-ins, with victory keeping them in contention for a place in the inter-confederation playoffs.