Super Falcons Out of WAFCON 2026 After Loss to Cameroon, World Cup Hopes Dimmed

Nigeria's Super Falcons have crashed out of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations after a 1-0 quarterfinal loss to Cameroon's Indomitable Lionesses. This defeat not only ends their bid to defend the trophy for an 11th time but also significantly jeopardizes their qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027.

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Myriam Maéva Nyadjou struck a thunderous effort from set piece that flew past Falcons’ wall of defenders.

The tightly contested match saw Myriam Maéva Nyadjou score the decisive goal from a set piece, a powerful shot that bypassed Nigeria's defensive wall and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Despite Nigeria's efforts to equalize, including attempts by Rasheedat Ajibade and Jennifer Echegini, Cameroon's defense, marshaled by goalkeeper Michaely Bihina, held firm.

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Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal for Nigeria had no answer for it as the ball went into the top corner beyond her outstretched hands.

Bihina, a 22-year-old from Benfica, was instrumental in Cameroon's victory, earning the Player of the Match award for her outstanding performance. This marks only the second time in 14 encounters that the Lionesses have defeated the Super Falcons. Nigeria's path to the World Cup now requires them to navigate the African Playoff, aiming for one of the two continental slots that lead to the FIFA Intercontinental Playoff Tournament.

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She was simply unbeateable on the day and deservedly named Player of the Match!