WAFCON 2026: Super Falcons lose 1-0 to Cameroon, face tougher route to World Cup

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the quarter-final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Nyadjou scored the decisive goal in the 19th minute as Cameroon held on to secure victory and book their place in the semi-finals.

Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina was also instrumental in the victory, producing eight saves to frustrate the Super Falcons.

Nigeria created several opportunities in search of an equaliser but struggled to find a way past Bihina, who remained composed throughout the encounter to preserve Cameroon’s lead.

The defeat means the Super Falcons have missed out on automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup through the WAFCON route.

Only the four teams that reach the semi-finals of the African championship will secure direct qualification for the World Cup.

As one of the defeated quarter-finalists, Nigeria will now enter the African play-off alongside the other three quarter-final losers.

The winner of the African play-off route will then have an opportunity to advance to the inter-confederation play-offs for another chance to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Nigeria’s defeat, therefore, does not end the Super Falcons’ World Cup hopes, but it leaves them with a more difficult path to the tournament.

The 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup is scheduled to be hosted by Brazil.