Cameroon confident of causing Nigeria problems in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final

Cameroon head coach Valentine Nguele says her side are ready to challenge tournament favourites Nigeria when the two teams meet in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final on Sunday.

Nguele acknowledged the strength and pedigree of the Super Falcons but insisted the Indomitable Lionesses have enough quality to make the contest difficult for their opponents.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, the Cameroon manager urged her players to express themselves, enjoy the occasion and fight until the final whistle.

“Nigeria is a very great footballing nation and one of the great favourites for this tournament. It is a team that has won this competition 10 times. They qualified in the best conditions, while we came through as a repechaged team,” Nguele said.

Nigeria’s record in the competition makes them one of the most accomplished teams in women’s African football. Their status as one of the leading contenders has been strengthened by the way they secured their place in the knockout stages.

Cameroon, by contrast, were brought back into contention as a repechaged side. That difference in their routes to the quarter-finals has underlined the challenge facing the Lionesses, who must now overcome one of the tournament’s strongest teams to reach the last four.

Nguele believes, however, that Cameroon’s own strengths can give Nigeria cause for concern. She has called on her players to approach the match without fear and to make the most of their opportunity against such a prominent opponent.

“We will approach this match naturally. We will play our football, ask the girls to give everything, enjoy themselves and give pleasure to the Cameroonian people. We know their strengths and know that they are a mature team. But we also have our weapons. We will fight until the end,” she added.

The Cameroon boss’s message is one of determination rather than resignation. While she recognises Nigeria’s experience and reputation, she wants her players to remain focused on their own game and compete fully throughout the tie.

The Lionesses therefore face a quarter-final in which Nigeria will carry the weight of expectation as one of the favourites. Cameroon, meanwhile, will attempt to turn their underdog status into an advantage by relying on their own qualities and taking the opportunity placed in front of them.

Victory would send Cameroon into the semi-finals, while defeat would end their hopes of progressing further in the competition. For Nguele and her players, the task is clear: respect Nigeria’s strengths, use their own weapons and fight for their chance until the end.