Cameroon Shock Defending Champions Nigeria to Reach WAFCON Semi-Finals

CASABLANCA, Morocco — Cameroon produced a major upset at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, defeating defending champions Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter-finals at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.

Myriam Maéva Nyadjou Wamen scored the decisive goal in the 19th minute with a well-taken free-kick that beat Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Nigeria controlled large periods of the contest, particularly after the break, and created several opportunities to equalise. However, they were repeatedly denied by a resolute Cameroon defence and an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Michaely Bihina, who made a series of important saves.

The Super Falcons, who entered the tournament as favourites and title holders, were unable to break down the Indomitable Lionesses despite enjoying the majority of possession and registering significantly more shots.

The result brings Nigeria’s title defence to an end and means the Super Falcons miss out on automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, a place reserved for the four semi-finalists.

Cameroon advance to the semi-finals, where they will face hosts Morocco. Nigeria will now contest a play-off match against South Africa for a chance to keep their World Cup hopes alive through the inter-confederation route.

The defeat marks a rare reverse for Nigeria against Cameroon in WAFCON history and ends the Super Falcons’ long run of reaching at least the last four in every centralised edition of the competition.