WAFCON 2026: Cameroon stun defending champions Nigeria to reach semi-finals

Cameroon ended Nigeria’s defence of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title with a 1-0 victory in Casablanca to reach the semi-finals and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Myriam Maéva Nyadjou scored the only goal of a fiercely contested quarter-final, as the Indomitable Lionesses held on to eliminate the reigning African champions.

The result means a new champion will be crowned at WAFCON 2026 in Morocco, while Cameroon have earned their place among Africa’s four remaining contenders and secured a ticket to the Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Nyadjou produces decisive moment

Cameroon took control of the contest in the 19th minute when 20-year-old Nyadjou produced a spectacular finish.

The midfielder collected the ball at distance before unleashing a powerful strike into the top corner, leaving Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie with no chance.

Nigeria almost responded immediately when Rasheedat Ajibade sent a dangerous delivery into the Cameroon penalty area, but Gift Monday could not make proper contact with the ball.

The Super Falcons continued to threaten and created another opportunity in the 28th minute.

Rinsola Babajide’s cross picked out Jennifer Echegini, but her effort was stopped as Cameroon maintained their narrow advantage.

The Indomitable Lionesses defended with discipline for the remainder of the first half to take their 1-0 lead into the interval.

Nigeria push but Bihina stands firm

Nigeria returned after the break with greater urgency as they searched for an equaliser.

Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina, however, produced a series of important interventions to keep her side in front.

Her most impressive save came in the 70th minute when she stretched out a strong hand to deny Uchenna Kanu’s powerful header.

The save proved crucial as Nigeria continued to apply pressure in the closing stages.

Cameroon also threatened to extend their advantage six minutes from full-time when Achta Toko Njoya’s free-kick from a tight angle forced Nnadozie into action.

The Nigeria goalkeeper reacted quickly to tip the effort over the crossbar and keep her side’s hopes alive.

Super Falcons fall short

Nigeria pushed numbers forward as they searched for a late equaliser and almost forced the match into extra time through substitute Esther Okoronkwo.

The forward used her pace to get beyond her marker before sending a left-footed effort narrowly wide of the post.

That proved to be Nigeria’s final major opportunity as Cameroon held firm through the closing stages.

The victory sends the Indomitable Lionesses into the WAFCON semi-finals and brings them one step closer to a second continental title.

For Nigeria, the defeat brings their reign as African champions to an end and leaves the continent with a new champion to be crowned in Morocco.

Cameroon can now turn their attention to the semi-finals and their campaign to reclaim the WAFCON crown while preparing for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.