Nigeria Super Falcons’ quest for an 11th Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has ended following a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the quarterfinal on Sunday, completesports.com reports.
A first half wonderful long range free kick by Maéva Nyadjou secured the win for Cameroon and also qualification for the 2027 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
However, the Super Falcons still have a chance to qualify for the World Cup, as they will now face South Africa in the play-in semi-final tie on Thursday, August 13.
A win for the Falcons will seal a final spot and also a place in the inter-confederation play-offs qualifiers.
The inter-confederation play-offs tournament will be played in two phases in the international windows of November–December 2026 and February 2027 to determine the final three teams to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Going into Sunday’s clash, the Super Falcons had won nine of the last 10 WAFCON knockout matches with Cameroon.
Eight minutes into the contest Cameroon went close from a free kick but Chiamaka Nnadozie made a good save.
But in the 20th minute Cameroon took the lead as Nyadjou hit a superb free kick which beat Nnadozie.
The Super Falcons almost drew level one minute after Cameroon took the lead but Monday could not get a clean strike on a cross which the keeper tipped away.
Also Read: WAFCON 2026: We’re Ready For Super Falcons Battle —Cameroon’s Ndzana
In the 28th minute Jennifer Echegini saw her goal bound shot palmed away by the Cameroon goalkeeper.
In the first minute of first half added time Echegini failed to get a clean strike on a cross which the goalkeeper saved.
The start of the second half saw the Super Falcons bossing possession and chances created but the Cameroon backline stood firm.
On 66 minutes Esther Okoronkwo sent in a dangerous free kick which the keeper claimed well.
Kanu almost equalised in the 70th minute off a brilliant cross but saw her header stopped by the keeper.
With 12 minutes left Echegini broke on the left but saw her shot palmed away.
Cameroon went close to doubling their lead on 85 minutes but Nnadozie tipped the ball over the bar.
Okonkwo had a big chance to draw level in the 94th minute but saw her effort go just off target.
By James Agberebi
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Source: Complete Sports
