-
Cameroon defeated defending champions Nigeria 1-0 in the WAFCON 2026 quarter-final in Casablanca.
-
Myriam Nyadjou’s stunning 20th-minute free-kick was enough to send the Indomitable Lionesses through.
-
Nigeria dominated large spells but failed to convert their chances as Cameroon produced a disciplined defensive display.
-
Cameroon will face hosts Morocco in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
August 09, (THEWILL) — The Super Falcons’ reign as African champions came to a painful end on Sunday as Cameroon stunned Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Myriam Nyadjou’s superb free-kick in the 20th minute proved decisive as Cameroon produced a disciplined performance to eliminate the defending champions and reach the semi-finals. The result marked only the second time Cameroon have defeated Nigeria in WAFCON history, making it one of the most significant victories in the Indomitable Lionesses’ tournament history.
CAMEROON STRIKE FIRST
Nigeria started with the expectation that comes with being the defending champions and the most successful nation in WAFCON history, but it was Cameroon who produced the decisive moment early in the contest.
Nyadjou stepped up to take a free-kick in the 20th minute and delivered a superb effort that found the back of the net, giving the goalkeeper and the Nigerian defence little opportunity to respond. The goal immediately changed the complexion of the contest, forcing the Super Falcons to chase the game while Cameroon could concentrate on protecting their advantage.
Nigeria responded by increasing the pressure and creating opportunities around the Cameroon penalty area, but the defending champions were unable to turn their possession and attacking pressure into an equaliser. Cameroon’s defensive organisation remained impressive as the Lionesses repeatedly frustrated Nigeria’s attempts to find a way through.
READ ALSO: WAFCON 2026: Meet the Last 8 Nations Jostling for Semi-Final Spot
SUPER FALCONS WASTE CHANCES
The pressure from Nigeria intensified as the game progressed, with the Super Falcons pushing more players forward in search of a leveller. Their attacking efforts, however, lacked the finishing touch needed to break down a Cameroon defence that remained compact and disciplined.
Nigeria continued to create openings after the interval and increased the urgency of their attacks as the clock ticked down. Cameroon’s goalkeeper and defenders stood firm under sustained pressure, making crucial interventions and limiting the defending champions whenever they threatened to find a clear route to goal.
As the final minutes approached, Nigeria committed even more players forward, knowing that another Cameroon goal would effectively end the contest. The Indomitable Lionesses resisted the pressure and defended their narrow lead with determination.
CAMEROON COMPLETE HISTORIC UPSET
The final whistle sparked celebrations among the Cameroonian players as they secured a famous victory over their long-standing rivals and booked their place in the last four.
For Nigeria, the defeat represents a major disappointment after entering the tournament with hopes of retaining the continental crown. The Super Falcons’ inability to convert their opportunities ultimately proved costly, as Cameroon made the most of their decisive moment and then successfully protected their advantage.
The result also adds another remarkable chapter to the rivalry between the two nations. Nigeria have historically dominated Cameroon at the WAFCON, but the Indomitable Lionesses have now produced another memorable victory on one of the tournament’s biggest stages.
READ ALSO: WAFCON 2026: Nigeria Face Cameroon In Quarter-Final As Historic Rivalry Takes Centre Stage
CAMEROON EYES WAFCON FINAL
Cameroon’s reward is a semi-final meeting with hosts Morocco on Wednesday, with a place in the final at stake.
The Indomitable Lionesses will enter that contest with renewed confidence after eliminating the defending champions, while Morocco will be hoping to use home advantage to continue their own pursuit of continental glory.
For Nigeria, attention now turns to assessing what went wrong in a campaign that ended much earlier than expected. The Super Falcons had the experience and opportunities to progress, but Cameroon’s resilience and Nyadjou’s early moment of brilliance ultimately proved enough to bring the defending champions’ WAFCON journey to an end.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
