Cameroon defender Claudia Dabda has described the Indomitable Lionesses’ 1-0 quarter-final victory over Nigeria as a major boost to the team’s confidence as they prepare for a difficult semi-final encounter against hosts Morocco at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The Indomitable Lionesses stunned the defending champions in Casablanca on Sunday, with Myriam Maéva Nyadjou Wamen’s 19th-minute goal proving decisive as Cameroon secured its place in the last four.
Dabda admitted that defeating Nigeria, one of the most successful teams in African women’s football, was a particularly satisfying achievement for the Cameroonian squad.
“It is a very good feeling to win against such a strong team. Nigeria are a big side, so this victory gives us a lot of confidence,” Dabda said.
The defender believes the result demonstrates the progress and growing belief within the Cameroon camp after a demanding tournament.
“We are happy because we have worked very hard to reach this stage. Beating Nigeria is important for our confidence, but we know the tournament is not over,” she added.
Cameroon will now face host nation Morocco in the semi-finals, with the Atlas Lionesses carrying home support into another high-stakes encounter.
Dabda stressed that the Indomitable Lionesses will maintain the same level of discipline and determination that carried them past Nigeria rather than becoming distracted by their impressive quarter-final victory.
“We will approach the semi-final with the same seriousness we have shown throughout the tournament. Morocco are another strong opponent, and we have to be ready to give everything again,” she said.
Cameroon’s victory over Nigeria also ended the Super Falcons’ defence of the continental title and sent the Indomitable Lionesses into the semi-finals, where they will now attempt to reach the WAFCON final and compete for the African crown.
