WAFCON 2026: Cameroon set for quarter-final showdown with rivals Nigeria

Cameroon will face long-standing rivals Nigeria in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after the Super Falcons secured second place in Group C, setting up another chapter in one of African women’s football’s biggest rivalries.

The Indomitable Lionesses already knew they had qualified for the knockout stage after defeating Ghana 1-0 on 2 August in their second Group D match.

That victory guaranteed Cameroon a place in the quarter-finals and ensured they would finish at the top of their group, regardless of the outcome of their final group fixture against Cape Verde.

With Nigeria’s position in Group C confirmed on Wednesday evening, Cameroon’s next opponents are now known. The two sides will meet in Casablanca on Sunday with a place in the semi-finals at stake.

Cameroon secure top spot before final group match

Cameroon reached the knockout stage with a game to spare following their victory over Ghana during the second round of Group D fixtures.

The result was enough to guarantee qualification and first place in the group before the team’s final match against Cape Verde, leaving the Lionesses free to prepare for the next stage of the tournament.

Knowing they could no longer be displaced from the top of the standings also meant Cameroon would soon learn the identity of the side finishing second in Group C.

That outcome was confirmed on Wednesday, when Nigeria secured second place to book a meeting with the Group D winners.

A familiar opponent awaits

The quarter-final will bring together two of the continent’s best-known women’s national teams.

Nigeria, the most successful nation in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, will once again stand in Cameroon’s path.

The Super Falcons have won the continental title 10 times and have repeatedly denied Cameroon the opportunity to lift the trophy.

Among the most memorable meetings between the two countries are three Women’s AFCON finals, all of which ended in Nigeria’s favour.

Those previous finals underline the challenge facing Cameroon as they attempt to change the history of this rivalry.

History favours the Super Falcons

The statistics from previous Women’s AFCON finals between the two nations make difficult reading for Cameroon.

Nigeria won all three of those championship matches, while Cameroon failed to score a single goal across the encounters and conceded eight.

Those results have contributed to Nigeria’s reputation as Cameroon’s toughest opponent on the continental stage.

Despite regularly competing among Africa’s strongest teams, the Indomitable Lionesses are still searching for their first Women’s AFCON title.

Sunday’s meeting therefore offers another opportunity to rewrite that history.

Semi-final place at stake

The quarter-final in Casablanca carries enormous significance for both teams.

For Nigeria, it is another chance to continue a successful record against one of their biggest rivals and move a step closer to another continental title.

For Cameroon, it represents an opportunity to finally overcome the team that has repeatedly denied them African glory.

The Lionesses know they will need one of their strongest performances if they are to defeat the reigning African champions and secure a place in the semi-finals.

With qualification already assured and first place in Group D secured before their final group match, Cameroon can now turn its full attention to a quarter-final that promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the tournament.