VIDEO: Cameroon Respect Nigeria But Refuse to Be Intimidated Ahead of WAFCON Quarter-Final - FULL PRE MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE

Cameroon coach Valentine Nguele has acknowledged Nigeria as the “ultra favourite” ahead of their WAFCON 2026 quarter-final, but the Indomitable Lionesses insist they will approach the decisive clash without fear and with full belief in their ability to cause an upset.

Nigeria and Cameroon meet on Sunday with a place in the semi-finals and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at stake.

Nguele was direct when asked about Nigeria’s status going into the quarter-final, pointing to the Super Falcons’ record in the competition.

“First of all, we must admit that Nigeria is a great football team,” Nguele said. “It’s an ultra favourite. It’s a big team. We admit that.”

The Cameroon coach also highlighted Nigeria’s 10 WAFCON titles as a reason for their status as favourites.

“They have already won 10 times in this tournament. We need to accept that,” she added.

However, Nguele made it clear that acknowledging Nigeria’s pedigree does not mean Cameroon will approach the match with an inferiority complex.

The Cameroonian side, which was not originally qualified for the tournament and was invited to participate, has already exceeded expectations by reaching the quarter-finals.

Nguele said the team should enjoy the opportunity and remain grateful for the chance to compete on the continental stage.

“We need to remain calm,” she said. “We must show our team that first of all you need to enjoy the match because we were not able to get qualified. We were invited to play. So it’s this pleasure that we need to take and even be grateful.”

Cameroon Draw Confidence From Previous Wins

Cameroon midfielder Colette Ndzana was more direct when discussing the psychological aspect of facing Nigeria.

The two nations have a long history, and Cameroon have previously shown they can defeat the Super Falcons on the biggest stages.

Ndzana pointed to Cameroon’s 2012 Olympic qualifying victory over Nigeria, while also referencing Nigeria’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading teams.

“Nigeria [are a] big team,” Ndzana said. “But since we already know that we can win against them, are we going into this with the same thoughts?”

Her message was clear: Nigeria’s reputation will not determine what happens on the pitch.

Ndzana acknowledged the quality of the Super Falcons but said Cameroon would focus on playing their own game rather than placing unnecessary pressure on themselves.

“We know it’s not going to be easy. We’re playing against one of the best teams in Africa,” she said.

“But we’re going to go against them as we know how to do it without putting too much pressure on ourselves.”

Malawi's Win Over Nigeria Offers Another Reminder

Cameroon also drew encouragement from Nigeria’s group-stage defeat to Malawi.

Nguele noted that the tournament has already demonstrated how much African women’s football has developed, with results showing that established powers can be challenged.

She highlighted Nigeria’s opening match against Malawi as an example of the changing landscape before pointing to the performances of other teams in the competition.

“There’s a great deal of improvement. Many things have really evolved,” Nguele said.

For Cameroon, that evolution represents an opportunity to believe that the gap between themselves and Nigeria can be closed on the right day.

The coach also stressed the importance of learning from mistakes and continuing to improve rather than dwelling on past results.

No Special Changes for Nigeria

Despite Nigeria’s reputation and the magnitude of the quarter-final, Nguele said Cameroon will not abandon the approach that has taken them this far.

Asked whether she would make tactical changes specifically for Nigeria, the coach said the team would remain focused on the game plan they had already been working on.

“We are going to respect our game plan that we have already been working on for a certain time now,” Nguele said.

“We’re going to go forward and move forward.”

She also described Nigeria as a mature team with clear strengths, while insisting Cameroon have their own weapons to bring into the contest.

“We must recognize that we have strengths and weaknesses on both sides,” she said. “We know their strengths very well. This is a very mature team. But we also have our own arms with which we’re going to be fighting.”

Cameroon Want to Play With Humility

For Ndzana, the quarter-final is not simply a battle of footballing ability. She believes the mental side of the contest will be equally important.

“Cameroon is a big team as well. Two big countries, two teams that know each other very well,” Ndzana said.

“This match is not just going to be in the field, we also going to see it play mentally.”

The Cameroon midfielder said the team would remain focused and attempt to break through whatever barriers stand in their way.

Most importantly, she said Cameroon would approach the occasion with humility.

“We’re not just going to be playing, we’re going to be looking to win,” Ndzana said. “We’re going to go in ready, but with a great deal of humility as well.”

Cameroon Have Overcome Their Own Challenges

Nguele revealed that Cameroon still have some injury concerns, although the majority of the squad is ready for the quarter-final.

“We always have some injuries here and there, some challenges in the team,” she said. “Some people still need to get some treatment but the majority of the team is ready to play tomorrow.”

The coach also credited the squad’s leadership for helping maintain unity throughout the tournament.

Ndzana, meanwhile, praised the influence of Cameroon’s former captain, describing her as a great leader who has remained positive around the group.

She said the players would follow the coach’s instructions and give everything on the pitch.

A Chance to Enjoy the Occasion

Cameroon’s journey to the quarter-finals has already been unusual, but Nguele does not want the circumstances surrounding their participation to become a burden.

Instead, she wants her players to embrace the occasion.

The coach said Cameroon must prepare mentally, remain comfortable and play their best football so they have no regrets regardless of the outcome.

That approach reflects the broader mood from the Cameroon camp: respect Nigeria, understand the magnitude of the challenge, but do not be overwhelmed by it.

Nigeria may enter the quarter-final as the continent’s most decorated women’s football nation, but Cameroon believe their own history, tournament performance and growing confidence give them a genuine chance.

The Indomitable Lionesses will now have to turn that belief into a performance when the two African heavyweights meet in Casablanca.

Nigeria face Cameroon at 6:00pm WAT on Sunday, 9 August, at Larbi Zaouli Stadium, with a place in the WAFCON semi-finals and a ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup on the line.