Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been eliminated from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after suffering a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon on Sunday.
The result means Nigeria will not secure an automatic qualification spot for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil and will now have to rely on the play-off route to keep their hopes alive.
Cameroon secured the victory in Casablanca through a first-half free-kick from 19-year-old Myriam Nyadjou.
Nyadjou’s effort came in the 19th minute as she sent a powerful rising shot beyond the reach of Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and into the net.
The goal was her first of the tournament and proved decisive as Cameroon held on to eliminate the defending champions.
Nigeria, who are the record 10-time African champions, dominated much of the closing stages as they searched desperately for an equaliser.
However, Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina produced a series of impressive saves to keep the Super Falcons at bay.
Nigeria came closest to levelling the game deep into stoppage time when Esther Okoronkwo got past Bihina and attempted to find the far corner, but her effort rolled narrowly wide.
Asisat Oshoala was introduced shortly before then, with the six-time African Women’s Player of the Year having been deemed not fit enough to start. The Saudi-based forward, however, could not find a way through Cameroon’s defence before the final whistle.
The victory marked only Cameroon’s second win over Nigeria in 14 meetings at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Cameroon will now face hosts Morocco in Wednesday’s semi-final in Rabat, with the victory also securing their place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
The remaining quarter-final will see tournament debutants Malawi face three-time runners-up Ghana, with the winner set to meet Algeria in the other semi-final.
For Nigeria, missing out on the World Cup would be a major setback. The Super Falcons have featured at every edition of the women’s global tournament since its launch in 1991.
Nigeria reached the Round of 16 at the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where they were eliminated by England on penalties.
They also defeated Cameroon to book their place at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
