Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been eliminated from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in their quarter-final encounter on Sunday.
The West African rivals battled for a place in the semi-finals, but a first-half goal proved enough to end Nigeria’s hopes of successfully defending their continental title.
Cameroon took the lead in the 19th minute through Myriam Maéva Nyadjou Wamen, who produced a stunning free-kick to beat the Nigerian defence and give her side the advantage.
Nigeria responded by pushing for an equaliser as the game progressed, with Justine Madugu’s side attempting to force the contest into extra time.
However, the Super Falcons were unable to find the back of the net despite their efforts, allowing Cameroon to hold on to their narrow advantage until the final whistle.
The defeat brings Nigeria’s title defence to an end after the Super Falcons entered the tournament as reigning African champions following their triumph over Morocco at the previous WAFCON.
Despite their elimination from the championship race, Nigeria still have an important fixture ahead as they continue their pursuit of qualification through the tournament’s playoff pathway.
The Super Falcons will face South Africa on Thursday in Casablanca, with a place in the Inter-Confederation playoff tournament at stake.
Victory in that encounter would keep Nigeria’s qualification hopes alive despite their quarter-final exit from the 2026 WAFCON.
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