Cameroon wins Super Falcons, end WAFCON title defence

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been eliminated from the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations following a 1-0 quarter-final loss to Cameroon in Casablanca, Morocco, on Sunday.

The defeat at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium ended Nigeria’s bid to retain the continental title and secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Cameroon took the lead in the 20th minute after Myriam Nyadjou found the back of the net.

The Super Falcons responded by mounting pressure in search of an equaliser, but the Cameroonian defence held firm and restricted Nigeria’s attacking opportunities.

Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina was also instrumental in preserving Cameroon’s advantage, making important saves to frustrate the 10-time African champions.

Nigeria intensified its efforts in the closing stages but could not find a way past the disciplined Indomitable Lionesses.

The victory booked Cameroon a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil and kept its hopes of winning the continental championship alive.

Nigeria will now have to go through the playoff route to secure qualification for the global tournament.

Cameroon joins Algeria and hosts Morocco as the African teams to have secured automatic World Cup qualification, while the final automatic ticket will go to the winner of the quarter-final encounter between Ghana and Malawi.

Africa has six places at the expanded World Cup, with two additional qualification opportunities available through the playoff route.