The Super Falcons’ defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title came to an end on Sunday after they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in their quarterfinal clash at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Myriam Nyadjou’s stunning free-kick proved decisive as the Indomitable Lionesses produced a resolute defensive display to secure a place in the semifinals and qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria started brightly and looked determined to take control of the contest, but it was Cameroon who broke the deadlock in the 19th minute.
Nyadjou, 19, stepped up for a free-kick and unleashed a superb effort into the top corner, beating Chiamaka Nnadozie to put Cameroon 1-0 ahead.
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The Super Falcons almost responded immediately when Rasheedat Ajibade squared the ball across the box for Gift Monday, but goalkeeper Michaely Bihina produced an excellent save to deny the Nigerian forward.
Bihina continued to frustrate Nigeria as the first half progressed. In the 38th minute, the Benfica goalkeeper intervened again to prevent a dangerous cross from reaching Monday inside the box.
Nigeria head coach Justin Madugu made his first change shortly afterwards, introducing Uchenna Kanu for Rinsola Babajide as the Falcons searched for an equaliser.
Nigeria came close again when a dangerous cross found Jennifer Echegini, but the midfielder mistimed her effort and allowed Bihina to gather comfortably.
Bihina was called into action once more before the interval, saving Kanu’s volley before punching Michelle Alozie’s free-kick away from danger moments later.
Nigeria began the second half with renewed urgency and continued to dominate possession as they searched for a way back into the game. However, Bihina remained the difference between the two sides, producing another fine save in the 57th minute to keep out Deborah Abiodun’s long-range effort.
Madugu responded with a double substitution five minutes later, bringing on Esther Okoronkwo and Toni Payne for Gift Monday and Christy Ucheibe.
Okoronkwo almost made an immediate impact, but Bihina produced an athletic save to prevent her free-kick from causing any danger.
The Cameroonian goalkeeper then pulled off arguably her best save of the night when she denied Kanu from point-blank range after the Nigerian forward’s header appeared destined for the net.
Echegini was also denied by Bihina in the 79th minute as Nigeria continued to pile pressure on Cameroon.
At the other end, Nnadozie was forced into action in the 84th minute, making a superb save to prevent another Cameroonian free-kick from finding the net.
The Super Falcons had one final opportunity to rescue the game deep into stoppage time, but Okoronkwo sent her effort wide after being played through on goal.
Nigeria continued to push for an equaliser until the final whistle, but Cameroon held firm to secure a famous victory and eliminate the defending champions.
The defeat means Nigeria will not defend their WAFCON crown, while Cameroon advance to the semifinals and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The victory was only Cameroon’s second against Nigeria in 14 meetings.
Cameroon now join Algeria and hosts Morocco among the African teams to have secured their places at next year’s World Cup.
For the Super Falcons, their World Cup hopes are not over yet, but they will now have to navigate the playoffs to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 tournament alive.
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