Nigeria’s title defence is over—and their automatic route to the 2027 Women’s World Cup has disappeared with it.
The Super Falcons suffered a stunning 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon in Casablanca on Sunday, ending their hopes of retaining the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown.
For Cameroon, it was a landmark victory.
For Nigeria, it could become a historic setback.
Nyadjou Delivers the Shock
Cameroon struck in the 19th minute, when 19-year-old Myriam Nyadjou unleashed a powerful free-kick that rose beyond the reach of Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie before crashing into the corner.
It was Nyadjou’s first goal of the tournament.
It was also enough to put Cameroon into the semifinals.
Bihina Keeps Nigeria Out
Nigeria responded with pressure, particularly as the clock ran down.
But Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina repeatedly produced spectacular saves, frustrating the defending champions whenever they threatened to break through.
Nigeria’s best opportunity came deep into stoppage time.
In the third added minute, Esther Okoronkwo won the race for the ball with Bihina, but her effort rolled narrowly past the far post.
That was the chance.
It was also Nigeria’s last realistic opening.
Oshoala’s Late Introduction Changes Nothing
Nigeria had already turned to one of its biggest attacking names.
Asisat Oshoala, a six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, entered the match late after being deemed unfit to start.
But the Saudi-based forward could not find a way through Cameroon’s defence.
When the final whistle arrived, Cameroon’s substitutes and coaching staff flooded the pitch to celebrate with the victorious Indomitable Lionesses.
The win was only Cameroon’s second victory over Nigeria in 14 WAFCON meetings.
A World Cup Place at Stake
Cameroon’s reward extends beyond the semifinal.
Their victory guarantees them a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while Nigeria must now rely on the playoff route if they are to reach the tournament.
Failure to qualify would end a remarkable streak.
The Super Falcons have appeared at every Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 1991. Missing the 2027 edition would therefore mark the first absence in their history.
Nigeria’s recent record makes the defeat even more painful.
At the previous World Cup in Australia, the Super Falcons reached the Round of 16, where England eliminated them on penalties. Nigeria also defeated Cameroon to secure qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Semifinal Picture
Cameroon now face hosts Morocco in Rabat on Wednesday for a place in the final.
The remaining quarter-final will see Malawi take on Ghana, with the winner advancing to a semifinal against Algeria.
For Nigeria, however, the equation is much simpler—and much more uncomfortable:
The defending champions are out. The automatic World Cup ticket is gone. And their historic qualification streak is now in danger.