Defending champions Nigeria super falcons suffered a major setback in their continental campaign on Sunday evening after being knocked out of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following a 1-0 quarter-final loss to arch-rivals Cameroon. The defeat at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca ended the Super Falcons’ title defense and stripped them of an automatic ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The high-stakes fixture was decided early in the first half when Cameroon midfielder Myriam Maéva Nyadjou Wamen converted a spectacular 19th-minute free-kick. Nigeria pushed aggressively for an equalizer throughout the remainder of the contest, dominating second-half possession and throwing tactical numbers forward.
However, Cameroonian goalkeeper Michaely Bihina delivered a standout performance between the posts, recording eight crucial saves to frustrate the Nigerian frontline.
Under CAF and FIFA regulations for this tournament, only the four WAFCON semi-finalists earn direct, automatic qualification spots for Brazil 2027. Having fallen short in the quarter-finals, head coach Justine Madugu’s side must now navigate the playoff format to salvage their World Cup ambitions.
Nigeria will remain in Casablanca to face South Africa on Thursday in a qualification playoff. The winner of that clash will secure Africa’s spot in the 10-team FIFA Inter-Confederation Playoff Tournament, where three final global berths for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be determined.
