A new champion will emerge at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after defending champions Nigeria were eliminated by Cameroon in the quarter-finals on Sunday, The PUNCH reports.
South Africa, who also won the title in 2022, were eliminated by hosts Morocco on Saturday.
The Indomitable Lionesses produced a resilient display in Casablanca to end Nigeria’s title defence and book their place in the semi-finals, while also securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Cameroon struck the decisive blow in the 19th minute through 20-year-old Myriam Maéva Nyadjou, who unleashed a thunderous effort from distance that flew into the top corner, leaving Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie helpless.
Nigeria looked for an immediate response a minute later when Rasheedat Ajibade delivered a dangerous cross into the area, but Gift Monday was unable to make a clean connection after Cameroon had dealt comfortably with the initial threat.
The Super Falcons continued to push forward and came close again in the 28th minute. Rinsola Babajide’s delivery found Jennifer Echegini in a promising position, but her effort was well saved as Cameroon protected their slender advantage.
Despite Nigeria enjoying spells of possession and creating opportunities, Cameroon remained organised at the back and carried their 1-0 lead into the half-time break.
- Stakeholders divided over NFF elections
- Nigeria keep Olympic hope despite world champs withdrawal
- Madugu hints at rotation after Nnadozie errors
Nigeria emerged for the second half with even greater urgency in search of an equaliser but found Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina in inspired form.
The shot-stopper produced one of the saves of the tournament in the 70th minute, stretching out a strong hand to deny Uchenna Kanu’s powerful header and preserve her side’s lead.
Cameroon nearly doubled their advantage six minutes from time when Achta Njoya’s well-struck free-kick from a tight angle forced Nnadozie into a sharp save, with the Nigerian goalkeeper tipping the effort over the crossbar.
The defending champions threw everything forward in the closing stages and almost forced extra time through substitute Esther Okoronkwo.
After using her pace to beat her marker, Okoronkwo sent a left-footed effort agonisingly wide of the post, with substitute Asisat Oshoala waiting for a simple lay-off beside her.
Cameroon held firm through the final minutes to seal a memorable victory, eliminating the 10-time champions and punching their ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Following Nigeria’s defeat, the Super Falcons will face South Africa on Thursday for a place in the inter-confederation World Cup play-offs, with the fixture determining one of Africa’s representatives at the qualifying tournament.
Abiodun, who reports Sports for PUNCH, covers different tiers of the Nigerian football league, the national teams, as well as cricket, in the last six years
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
NEWS UPDATE: Nigerians can now earn as much as $15,000- $25,000 with premium domains. You decide if you want payment in Naira or US Dollars. Be sure to ask for evidence and proof of people benefitting daily from this. CLICK HERE TO START.
Source: The Punch
