The Super Falcons’ defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title came to a painful end on Sunday night as Nigeria suffered a 1–0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon in Casablanca.
Cameroon broke the deadlock in the 19th minute with a well-struck free-kick, taking the lead against the run of play and forcing Nigeria to chase the game.
The Super Falcons responded with sustained pressure and created several opportunities to level the score, with Gift Monday and Jennifer Echegini coming close.
However, Cameroon’s Portugal-based goalkeeper Michaely produced a series of important saves to keep her side in front.
Nigeria head coach Justin Madugu reacted by introducing Uchenna Kanu for Rinsola Babajide in the 38th minute before making further attacking changes after the interval, bringing on Toni Payne, Esther Okoronkwo and Asisat Oshoala.
Despite dominating possession and spending long periods inside the Cameroonian half, Nigeria struggled to find the decisive finish.
The Super Falcons continued to press until the final moments, but Cameroon’s defensive resilience held firm through stoppage time.
The defeat ends Nigeria’s hopes of retaining the WAFCON crown, but their World Cup qualification campaign remains alive.
The Super Falcons will now face South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in a crucial play-off later this week, with the winner advancing to the Inter-Continental Play-Off for a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
For Nigeria, the focus now shifts from defending their continental title to securing another route to the global stage.
