Cameroon eliminate defending champions Nigeria to reach WAFCON semi-finals

A new TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) champion will be crowned in Morocco after Cameroon defeated defending champions Nigeria 1-0 in a thrilling quarter-final in Casablanca on Sunday.

The victory sends the Indomitable Lionesses into the WAFCON semi-finals and secures their qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.

Cameroon produced a disciplined and resilient performance to end Nigeria's title defence and book their place among the final four of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026.

Myriam Nyadjou stuns Nigeria with a superb strike

Cameroon made their decisive breakthrough in the 19th minute through 20-year-old Myriam Maéva Nyadjou.

The forward unleashed a powerful long-range effort that flew into the top corner beyond the reach of Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, giving the Indomitable Lionesses a 1-0 lead.

Nigeria immediately looked for a response.

Just a minute later, Rasheedat Ajibade delivered a dangerous cross into the Cameroon penalty area, but Gift Monday could not make a clean connection after the initial attempt was dealt with.

The Super Falcons continued to apply pressure as they searched for an equaliser.

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In the 28th minute, Rinsola Babajide picked out Jennifer Echegini with a dangerous delivery, but Echegini's effort was comfortably saved as Cameroon maintained their advantage.

Despite Nigeria enjoying spells of possession and creating several opportunities, Cameroon's defence remained organised and disciplined.

The Indomitable Lionesses went into half-time with their 1-0 lead intact.

Cameroon goalkeeper denies Nigeria equaliser

Nigeria returned for the second half with renewed urgency as the defending champions pushed aggressively for an equaliser.

However, Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina produced a superb performance to keep her side ahead.

Her biggest moment came in the 70th minute when she made a crucial save to deny Uchenna Kanu.

Kanu rose to meet a powerful header, but Bihina stretched out a strong hand to keep the ball out and preserve Cameroon's narrow advantage.

The save proved crucial as Nigeria continued to search for a way back into the contest.

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Nnadozie keeps Nigeria alive

Cameroon also came close to extending their lead six minutes from full-time.

Aichta Njoya struck a well-taken free-kick from a tight angle that appeared destined for the net, but Chiamaka Nnadozie reacted quickly to tip the effort over the crossbar.

With time running out, Nigeria threw players forward in search of an equaliser that would have forced extra time.

Substitute Esther Okoronkwo came close after using her pace to beat her marker, but her left-footed effort drifted narrowly wide of the post.

Cameroon end Nigeria's WAFCON title defence

Cameroon held firm during the final minutes to secure a memorable 1-0 victory and eliminate the reigning African champions.

The result ends Nigeria's defence of their Women's Africa Cup of Nations title and ensures that a new champion will be crowned at the 2026 tournament.

For Cameroon, the victory represents another major milestone.

The Indomitable Lionesses have reached the WAFCON semi-finals and secured their place at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, while Nigeria's hopes of retaining their continental crown have come to an end.

Cameroon will now turn their attention to the semi-finals as they continue their pursuit of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations title.