Super Falcons eliminated from WAFCON after narrow loss to Cameroon

The Indomitable Lionesses will advance to the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after they secured a 1-0 win over defending champions Nigeria in their quarter-final match played at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday.

Nyadjou Wamen put the Cameroon team into the lead through a goal in the 19th minute of play.

Nigeria took control of the latter part of the first half of play and upped the ante further in the second half as they pushed hard for an equaliser.

Despite putting immense pressure on the Cameroonian defenders, the Super Falcons were unable to break down the resolute backline of the Indomitable Lionesses.

Cameroon goalkeeper also made a crucial save from close range in the second half to deny the Super Falcons an equaliser.

The defeat ended Nigeria’s title defence and denied the defending champions a place in the semi-finals.

The result also means Nigeria will not secure the automatic qualification ticket for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil that is reserved for the four WAFCON semi-finalists.

Nigeria had entered the quarter-final as defending champions and had dominated their previous meetings with Cameroon at the WAFCON, including a 1-0 quarter-final victory in 2022.

The Super Falcons had also reached the knockout stages at every centralised edition of the competition and were seeking a record-extending 10th appearance at the Women’s World Cup.

Cameroon will advance to the semi-finals, where they will face Morocco, who defeated South Africa 2-1 in their quarter-final.