Cameroon have ended Nigeria’s reign as African champions after defeating the Super Falcons 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca on Sunday.
The victory sent the Indomitable Lionesses into the semi-finals and secured their qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while Nigeria’s defence of the continental title came to an abrupt end.
Nigeria entered the encounter as the most successful team in WAFCON history and had enjoyed a dominant record against Cameroon in previous meetings. The Lionesses, however, produced a disciplined performance to claim only their second victory over the Falcons in the competition.
Cameroon took the lead in the 19th minute when 20-year-old Myriam Wamen unleashed a powerful long-range effort into the top corner, leaving Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie with no chance.
The Falcons responded immediately, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade sending a dangerous cross into the box, although Gift Monday failed to make clean contact.
Nigeria continued searching for an equaliser and came close in the 28th minute after Morinsola Babajide’s delivery found Jennifer Echegini, whose effort was saved by Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Binha.
Cameroon remained compact and organised to preserve their advantage going into the interval.
The Falcons increased the pressure after the restart but struggled to penetrate a resilient Cameroonian defence, with Binha making several crucial saves.
Her biggest intervention came in the 70th minute, when she stretched to keep out Ochenna Kanu’s powerful header and maintain Cameroon’s lead.
The Lionesses nearly doubled their advantage six minutes from full time when Achtа Njoya’s free-kick from a tight angle forced Nnadozie into action, with the Nigerian goalkeeper tipping the effort over the crossbar.
Nigeria continued to press in the closing stages, but Cameroon remained resolute.
Substitute Ijeoma Okoronkwo came closest to forcing extra time after using her pace to beat her marker, before sending a left-footed effort narrowly wide.
Cameroon held on for a memorable victory, ending Nigeria’s bid for a second successive WAFCON title and ensuring that a new African champion will be crowned in Morocco.
The result also marks a significant shift in the rivalry between the two sides. Nigeria had won nine of their previous 13 WAFCON meetings, while Cameroon had recorded only one victory before Sunday’s quarter-final.
Cameroon’s semi-final berth also guarantees the Lionesses a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Nigeria, meanwhile, will have to navigate the playoff route to keep its World Cup qualification hopes alive.
The quarter-final was marked by intense midfield battles and physical defensive exchanges. Cameroon increased its pressing after the break to disrupt Nigeria’s build-up play, while the Falcons were largely limited to attempts from distance.
The victory is Cameroon’s first knockout-stage win over Nigeria at the WAFCON since the 2012 third-place play-off.
