Michaely Bihina the hero as Cameroon reach Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals

Michaely Bihina produced a remarkable goalkeeping display as Cameroon beat Nigeria 1-0 to reach the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, making nine saves against the 10-time African champions.

The 22-year-old was central to a historic victory over Cameroon’s long-standing rivals, denying Nigeria repeatedly after Myriam Nyadjou’s free-kick gave the Indomitable Lionesses the lead in the 20th minute.

Nigeria dominated for much of the remaining hour, but Bihina’s concentration, anticipation and authority kept the Super Falcons at bay. She made an important early stop from Rasheedat Ajibade before producing a series of interventions on her line, both before half-time and after the interval.

Her final statistics reflected the scale of the performance: nine saves, several clear chances denied, commanding claims in the air and a constant sense of control inside her penalty area.

When the final whistle confirmed Cameroon’s progress, Bihina was overcome with emotion and cried. Her team-mates then lifted her in celebration after the side finally defeated a familiar major obstacle.

The performance immediately sparked excitement in Cameroon, with social media users placing her alongside some of the most celebrated goalkeepers in the country’s football history.

One popular joke called for supporters to “mettez-la dans le but des Lions” – put her in goal for the Lions – a playful comment that also reflected the impression she had made.

Other fans compared her with Manuel Neuer and Andre Onana, while some suggested she should be considered a better option than certain current goalkeepers in Cameroon’s men’s national team.

Those comparisons carry particular weight in a country with a strong tradition of producing elite goalkeepers. Thomas Nkono, Joseph-Antoine Bell, Jacques Songo’o, Carlos Kameni and Andre Onana have all helped establish Cameroon’s reputation in the position.

Bihina is now beginning to build her own legacy in the women’s game.

Born in 2003, she started her career in Cameroon and established herself with Eclair FF de Sa’a. Her versatility has occasionally seen her used in attack, underlining the unusual range of her abilities.

She later moved to Portugal to join Racing Power, helping the club earn promotion to the top division. Her performances then took her through several stages of development, including recognition as one of the best goalkeepers in the Portuguese league.

In February 2026, Benfica signed her. Bihina stepped into an even more demanding environment and quickly added titles to her honours list.

Her game is built around reading the flight of the ball, anticipating danger and remaining calm on her goal line. Those qualities had been identified well before her standout display at this tournament.

The next test will be very different. Cameroon face Morocco in the semi-finals, with the hosts among the continent’s most organised sides and possessing the advantage of strong home support. The Atlas Lionesses also arrive with their own attacking confidence.

Bihina is therefore likely to be called upon again.

Cameroon entered the tournament after being reinstated following its expansion, but are now only two matches away from winning the title. They have also secured qualification for the 2027 World Cup.

Against Nigeria, Bihina was almost impossible to beat. Morocco will probably demand that she reaches those same levels once more.