Super Falcons suffered a historic setback on Sunday after losing 1-0 to Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca, Morocco.
The defeat ended Nigeria’s hopes of defending their continental title and marked the first time the nine-time African champions have failed to reach at least the semi-finals of the competition.
Cameroon secured victory through teenage defender Maeva Nyadjou, whose powerful free-kick in the 20th minute proved decisive.
The Super Falcons dominated possession and created several opportunities but were unable to break down a resilient Cameroonian defence, with goalkeeper Michaely Bihina producing a string of impressive saves.
Nigeria came close to an immediate response after conceding, but Gift Monday failed to make proper contact with Rasheedat Ajibade’s cross, allowing Bihina to intervene.
The Cameroonian goalkeeper continued to frustrate Nigeria, denying Jennifer Echegini in the 28th minute before making another important save from Monday later in the first half.
Despite Nigeria registering nine shots before the interval compared with Cameroon’s one, they went into the break trailing by a goal.
Coach Justin Madugu introduced Uchenna Kanu, Toni Payne and Esther Okoronkwo at different stages as he sought to change the momentum, while Asisat Oshoala was brought on in stoppage time in a final attempt to rescue the Falcons.
However, Cameroon held firm, with Bihina making arguably her finest save in the 70th minute to keep out Kanu’s close-range effort.
Nigeria’s best opportunity came late in the game when Okoronkwo broke through and rounded Bihina, but she rolled her effort narrowly wide instead of passing to the unmarked Oshoala.
Cameroon will now face hosts Morocco in Wednesday’s semi-final in Rabat and have also secured qualification for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Nigeria, meanwhile, still have a route to the World Cup but must defeat South Africa in Wednesday’s play-in fixture to advance to the inter-confederation playoff.
The result represents the Falcons’ worst-ever finish in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
