General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, has expressed disappointment following the Super Falcons’ 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca.
Nigeria’s defeat ended the defending champions’ hopes of retaining the continental title and reaching the semi-finals, while also denying the Super Falcons automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Reacting to the result, Sanusi admitted that the outcome was difficult to accept but praised the players for their effort against a determined Cameroonian side.
“The feeling is not good because we wanted to continue in the competition, but the players gave their best. Sometimes football can be cruel,” Sanusi said.
The NFF general secretary noted that Nigeria’s status as one of Africa’s most successful women’s teams means opponents often raise their level when facing the Super Falcons.
“Every country that plays against Nigeria gives its very best. It was just one of those games where things did not go according to plan,” he added.
The Super Falcons dominated large portions of the encounter but were unable to find an equaliser after Cameroon took the lead in the 19th minute.
Nigeria created several opportunities throughout the match but was ultimately frustrated by a resilient Cameroonian defence and the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Michaely Bihina, who made several crucial saves.
The result means Nigeria must now pursue another route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The four WAFCON quarter-final losers enter the CAF play-off pathway for the remaining African places in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Play-Off Tournament.
The Super Falcons are therefore expected to regroup quickly for their next assignment, with their World Cup qualification hopes still alive despite the disappointment of their continental title defence coming to an end.
