Super Falcons knocked out of 2026 WAFCON by hard fighting Cameroon

The Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca played host as Nigeria's Super Falcons faced the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

This tie, which was the 14th meeting between the two sides at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, carried even greater significance, with the ultimate prize being a place at the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.

Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu made three changes to the side that defeated Egypt in their final group-stage game, with Asisat Oshoala, Toni Payne and Folashade Ijamilusi dropping to the bench.

Gift Monday came into the attack, while Jennifer Echegini and Tosin Demehin returned to the starting XI after serving their respective suspensions.

The Indomitable Lionesses started on the front foot, looking the more aggressive of the two sides as the Super Falcons struggled to match their intensity.

That aggressive approach yielded rewards in the 19th minute when Cameroon won a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area.

Amazone defender Myriam Nyadjou stepped up and unleashed an absolute belter beyond the reach of Chiamaka Nnadozie, who could only get a hand to the effort.

The Super Falcons had been breached.

Just seconds later, however, the reigning African champions surged forward.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade played a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Gift Monday, but goalkeeper Michaely Bihina did enough to prevent the ball from creeping into the net.

Nigeria continued to ask questions during the opening 45 minutes, but Bihina was having none of it.

The second half soon began, with both sides maintaining the same hunger and intensity as they continued to battle for control.

The Super Falcons continued their search for an equaliser.

In the 69th minute, following a brilliant cross into the box, Uchenna Kanu rose highest and directed a superb header towards goal.

Once again, Bihina produced a brilliant save to deny the Falcons.

Nine minutes later, the Cameroonian goalkeeper proved to be the hero again.

Jennifer Echegini made a brilliant run into the box before unleashing a left-footed strike, but Bihina was equal to it once more, pulling off another crucial stop.

Three minutes after the 80th-minute mark, the Indomitable Lionesses were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area.

Achat Njoya stepped up and curled a brilliant effort towards goal, but Chiamaka Nnadozie was on hand to produce a fine save and keep Nigeria alive.

Regulation time was over.

Tensions were rising.

Seven minutes of added time were signalled, but the Super Falcons continued to fight desperately for an equaliser, while Cameroon refused to lie down.

Justin Madugu pulled his final roll of the dice.

In the second minute of added time, Asisat Oshoala came on for Jennifer Echegini as Nigeria threw more attacking firepower into the contest.

Moments later, Chiamaka Nnadozie launched a long ball over the top, sending Nigeria forward once again.

Esther Okoronkwo raced onto it and unleashed a strike, but her effort went just inches wide. That was Nigeria's last chance.

After the seven minutes of added time, Namibian referee Antsina Twanyanyukwa blew the final whistle, and that could only mean one thing - The Super Falcons had been knocked out of the 2026 Women's African Cup of Nations by Cameroon, and they would not be defending the tenth WAFCON title.

However gloomy, all hope is not lost. The Super Falcons still stand a chance of playin at the 2027 Women's World Cup, but the 10-time Champions would have to face the Bayana Bayana of South Africa on 13th August for a place in the inter-continental play-offs.