Cameroon midfielder, Naomi Eto, has said the Indomitable Lionesses are prepared to fight for victory when they take on defending champions Nigeria in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The two-time African heavyweights will meet at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday, with a place in the semi-finals and an automatic ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at stake.
Nigeria entered the knockout stage as one of the tournament favourites despite an unconvincing start, while Cameroon have built momentum after finishing their group campaign unbeaten with two wins and a draw.
Eto admitted that the Super Falcons present a formidable challenge but said Cameroon are focused on executing their plans and securing a place in the last four.
“Nigeria is a very great nation in African Women’s Football and deserves all our respect. We know we are not the favourites and, in fact, we never really were in this competition. But we also know what we want to achieve,” Eto was quoted by CAFonline.
“We have a game plan prepared by the staff and we work everyday to progress, both in training and during video meetings or even in our exchanges amongst the players.
“We know that every match is different. Football always has surprises in store. At this stage of the competition, there will inevitably be a winner. Nigeria has great qualities, but a match is played on the pitch. One thing is certain – we will give everything on the pitch.”
Cameroon Won’t Abandon Winning Approach
The midfielder also indicated that Cameroon will not make drastic changes to their approach against the Super Falcons, insisting that the team will continue with the style that has taken them through the group stage.
“We will approach this match as we have approached all the others since the start of the tournament. Our goal is to continue to have fun together, because it is this state of mind that has allowed us to come this far,” Eto added.
“We will not change the way we play. We will continue our work, apply the technical staff’s plan and seek to correct the few shortcomings that we have identified.
“We have little time, but we will make the best use of it to be more effective. We know there is a favourite, and it’s not us, but in football nothing is a foregone conclusion.”
The quarter-final promises to be a closely contested encounter, with both sides needing victory to advance to the semi-finals and secure World Cup qualification.
