Former Nigeria international, Desire Oparanozie, has expressed her disappointment after the Super Falcons suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria controlled much of the encounter and created several opportunities, but Cameroon held firm after Maeva Nyadjou’s stunning 20th-minute free-kick gave the Indomitable Lionesses the lead.
Despite dominating possession and chances for large spells of the game, the Super Falcons were unable to find an equaliser as Cameroon secured their place in the semi-finals.
The result also handed Cameroon a ticket to next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
They will face hosts Morocco in the semi-final in Rabat on Wednesday.
Nigeria, meanwhile, must now beat South Africa in Wednesday’s play-in fixture to remain in contention for a place in the inter-confederation World Cup playoffs.
Reacting to the unexpected elimination, Oparanozie admitted she was devastated by the outcome, saying the team’s failure to secure a World Cup ticket had left her particularly worried.
“It’s a disappointing outcome, nobody saw this coming,” Oparanozie said in a video posted on the X handle of Eagles Tracker.
She added, “honestly didn’t think we were to fall short, to be honest I wasn’t looking at us winning the trophy but the ticket to the World Cup and I don’t know our chances of going for the intercontinental playoffs, what are the chances.
“So I’m heartbroken right now, if we don’t make it to the World Cup this would be the first time the Super Falcons would not be at the women’s World Cup.”
The defeat represents another major setback for Nigeria at the tournament after the Super Falcons also suffered a surprise 3-2 loss to WAFCON debutants Malawi in their opening group match.
Malawi have since continued their impressive campaign, defeating Ghana’s Black Queens 2-1 on Sunday to reach the semi-finals and qualify for their first-ever Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria now face a crucial clash with South Africa, with victory needed to keep their hopes of reaching the 2027 World Cup alive.
