The Super Falcons of Nigeria have been knocked out of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 after suffering a shocking 0-1 fall to the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in the quarter finals on Sunday 9 August, 2026 in Casablanca.
This has now become the worst WAFCON outing of the Super Falcons coming after they won their tenth (10th) title with a 3-2 comeback victory over Morocco in 2024.
The outcome means Cameroon are through to the semi finals of the tournament.
A powerful free-kick in the 20th from teenage defender Maeva Nyadjou was enough for the Indomitable Lionesses as they held on and withstood every pressure from the Super Falcons to emerge victorious.
The Nigerians dominated heavily all through the showdown, however, were unable to find the back of the net against the Cameroonians who played deep to defend their lead.
The victory on Sunday night means a World Cup spot for Cameroon, who will slug it out with Morocco, host nation, in Wednesday’s semifinal in Rabat, while Nigeria must face South Africa in one of Wednesday’s ‘play-ins’ to reach the inter-confederation playoffs for next year’s World Cup in Brazil.
The Super Falcons have always reached at least the semi finals of the WAFCON in their 35-year history of featuring in the tournament for women players.
In the preliminaries, Nigeria suffered a 2-3 defeat to Malawi, squeezed out lone goal win over Zambia and registered a fine 6-2 victory over Egypt before falling to their West African neighbours.
Juvenile player, Nyadjou, stepped up and fired the free-kick past Nigeria goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The Brighton and Hove Albion goalie has been criticised for her performances during the group stage and should have done better with the effort, which appeared to catch her off guard, as she had both hands to it but could only push it into her side netting.
Asisat Oshoala and Esther Okoronkwo were left out of the clash, but, introduced into the game later, however, were unable to rescue the defending champions.
Via X, after their exit from the tournament, Super Falcons wrote: “Thank you, Nigeria!
“Yesterday’s result wasn’t what we dreamed of, but your incredible support kept us fighting until the very last second.
“We feel the love, we carry the pride, and we promise you, we will be BACK!”
