WAFCON 2026: Cameroon coach Valentine Nguele vows strong performance after quarter-final qualification

Cameroon head coach Valentine Nguele has praised the fighting spirit of her players after the Indomitable Lionesses secured a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The Central African football powerhouse continued their impressive campaign on Sunday with a crucial victory over Ghana, a result that confirmed their place in the knockout stage with a game to spare.

Having already opened their Group D campaign with a win against Mali, the Lionesses maintained their perfect start to the competition and strengthened their credentials as one of the tournament’s surprise packages.

Speaking during her post-match press conference, Nguele expressed satisfaction with her team’s performances but reminded everyone that Cameroon entered the tournament under unusual circumstances and cannot afford to become complacent.

The coach highlighted the fact that Cameroon returned to the competition as a “lucky loser” and stressed that her players were never considered among the favourites to challenge for the continental title.

Despite that status, the team has exceeded expectations and now finds itself among the first nations to secure a quarter-final berth.

“We are grateful that we were reinstated. With this status, we are not favourites for this Africa Cup of Nations,” Nguele said.

The Cameroon tactician explained that her primary objective is to ensure the team continues to represent the country with pride while maintaining the same level of commitment and determination that has characterized their campaign so far.

“But what I can say is that we will continue to work hard to present a good image of our country,” she added.

Nguele also addressed the psychological aspect of tournament football, acknowledging the pressure that naturally comes with competing on the continental stage.

According to the coach, managing pressure effectively will be essential if Cameroon are to maintain their momentum and challenge some of Africa’s traditional powerhouses in the knockout rounds.

“You know, there’s no such thing as football without pressure, so the advice we’re giving the girls is to channel that pressure better so they can go far in the competition,” she stated.

The coach’s comments reflect a growing sense of belief within the Cameroon camp, although she remains determined to keep her players grounded despite their encouraging start.

Cameroon’s performances have been among the most notable stories of the tournament so far. Entering the competition without the weight of expectations, the Lionesses have demonstrated resilience, tactical discipline and a strong collective spirit.

Their victory over Ghana was particularly significant, as it secured qualification to the quarter-finals and reinforced their reputation as a team capable of troubling any opponent on their day.

With a place in the knockout phase already guaranteed, Cameroon will now turn their attention to their final Group D encounter against Cape Verde women’s national football team.

The match offers Nguele’s side an opportunity to finish the group stage strongly, build additional confidence and potentially secure a more favourable position heading into the quarter-finals.

As the tournament progresses, Cameroon will be hoping their remarkable journey continues, with Nguele urging her players to remain focused, embrace the pressure and continue representing the nation with distinction as they pursue a place among Africa’s elite women’s football nations.