Cameroon produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, defeating defending champions and 10-time winners Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter-finals to book their place in the last four and secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The decisive moment came in the 19th minute when teenage sensation Myriam Nyadjou produced a stunning free-kick from long range.
The young midfielder stepped up and unleashed a powerful, rising effort that flew beyond Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and into the top corner, leaving the Super Falcons with no chance.
The spectacular strike gave the Indomitable Lionesses a 1-0 lead and ultimately proved enough to send the defending champions crashing out of the competition.
Nigeria, who entered the contest as favourites and the most successful team in WAFCON history, responded strongly after the break.
The Super Falcons dominated possession and created several promising opportunities as they searched desperately for an equaliser.
However, Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina produced an outstanding performance between the posts, making a series of crucial saves to preserve her side’s advantage.
One of her most important interventions came when she denied Nigeria from close range with a superb stop from a header as the Super Falcons increased the pressure.
Nigeria coach Justin Madugu introduced star forward Asisat Oshoala as his side pushed for a way back into the contest, but Cameroon’s defence remained disciplined and organised.
Despite sustained pressure in the closing stages, Nigeria could not find the breakthrough, with Cameroon holding firm until the final whistle.
The victory represents a significant moment for the Indomitable Lionesses, who secured a rare competitive victory over their West African rivals while ending Nigeria’s hopes of successfully defending their continental crown.
The defeat also carries major consequences beyond the WAFCON.
The four teams that reach the semi-finals of the tournament automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Cameroon have therefore secured their place at next year’s global tournament, while Nigeria will now have to navigate the more difficult continental and intercontinental play-off route in their attempt to qualify.
The Indomitable Lionesses will face hosts Morocco in the semi-finals as they continue their pursuit of a first WAFCON title.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s elimination guarantees that a new African champion will be crowned in Morocco, bringing the Super Falcons’ title defence to a dramatic and unexpected end.
For Nigeria, the defeat will be a bitter disappointment after recovering from their difficult start to the tournament and reaching the knockout stage.
For Cameroon, however, the victory represents a statement of intent and one of the biggest results of the competition so far, with the Lionesses now just two matches away from continental glory.
