Nigeria’s defence of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown is over after Cameroon edged the Super Falcons 1-0 in a bruising quarter-final in Casablanca last night.
Quick facts
- Cameroon won the 14th WAFCON quarter-final 1-0.
- The decisive goal arrived from a free-kick in the 19th minute.
- Nigeria will next meet South Africa for a place in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup inter-continental play-off.
- Burkina Faso defeated Nigeria 4-1 in the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 final.
The Indomitable Lionesses opened the scoring with a finely worked set piece. Nigeria responded forcefully before half-time, but Portugal-based goalkeeper Michaely kept out attempts from Gift Monday and Jennifer Echegini.
Justin Madugu made his first change in the 38th minute, replacing Rinsola Babajide with Uchenna Kanu. After the interval, Toni Payne, Esther Okoronkwo and Asisat Oshoala were also introduced as Nigeria increased the pressure.
The Falcons controlled much of the ball and territory, continuing their assault through added time. Cameroon’s organised defence held firm, however, and Nigeria could not produce an equaliser.
Nigeria will now face South Africa’s Banyana Banyana later this week. The match will determine which side advances to the inter-continental play-off for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Elsewhere, the Flying Eagles were beaten 4-1 by Burkina Faso in Sunday’s final of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship at Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro.
The Young Stallions established a commanding 3-0 advantage by the interval, using speed and direct attacking play to exploit weaknesses in Nigeria’s defence. Abdu Maikaba’s team reduced the deficit after the break when Muiz Adeleke converted a penalty, but Burkina Faso’s tightly packed back line prevented any further comeback before a late fourth goal confirmed the result.
The victory marked Burkina Faso’s second success against Nigeria in the competition, following their group-stage triumph. Burkina Faso will join hosts Ghana as WAFU B’s qualifiers for next year’s Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
