Nigeria’s Super Falcons fell 1-0 to Cameroon in their WAFCON 2026 quarter-final clash, undone by a 19th-minute strike from Nyadjou that ultimately decided the match.
Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina was instrumental in her side’s victory, producing eight saves as Nigeria pressed for an equaliser throughout the match.
Despite generating multiple scoring chances, the Super Falcons couldn’t find a way past her, and Bihina’s composure between the posts kept Cameroon’s slim lead intact until the final whistle.
The defeat means Nigeria will not automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup through the WAFCON route. Only the four teams that reach the semi-finals of the African championship will secure direct qualification for the tournament.
As one of the defeated quarter-finalists, Nigeria will now enter the African play-offs alongside the other three quarter-final losers.
The winner of the play-off route will have an opportunity to progress to the inter-confederation play-offs for another chance to secure a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The Super Falcons’ World Cup hopes therefore remain alive, but their route to Brazil has become more difficult following the quarter-final defeat.
Hadizat Giwa