Super Falcons WAFCON defence ends in heartbreak as Cameroon secure quarter final victory
Nigeria's senior women's national team defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title came to an agonising end on Sunday night after Nigeria suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat to eternal rivals Cameroon in a fiercely contested quarter-final encounter in Casablanca.
Cameroon stunned the Falcons in the 19th minute, breaking the deadlock with a well-struck free kick against the run of play. Nigeria responded with renewed intensity, applying sustained physical and tactical pressure as the half progressed and creating several promising opportunities to level the score.
Forward Gift Monday and midfielder Jennifer Echegini both came close to finding the equaliser, but Cameroon’s Portugal-based goalkeeper Michaely stood firm to keep Nigeria at bay.
In search of a breakthrough, coach Justin Madugu made his first change in the 38th minute, introducing Uchenna Kanu for Rinsola Babajide. He later turned to Toni Payne, Esther Okoronkwo and Asisat Oshoala as Nigeria intensified its attacking efforts in the second half.
The Super Falcons dominated possession and territorial play, repeatedly pinning the Indomitable Lionesses deep inside their own half. However, despite relentless attacking waves, including sustained pressure deep into stoppage time, Nigeria could not find a way through Cameroon’s disciplined defensive wall.
The defeat ends Nigeria’s bid to retain the continental crown and leaves the Super Falcons with another crucial assignment later this week.
Nigeria will face South Africa’s Banyana Banyana for a place in the inter-continental playoff for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil.
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