The Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon scripted a historic chapter in African women’s football on Sunday, August 9, 2026, by knocking out defending champions Nigeria with a dramatic 1–0 victory in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations – WAFCON quarter-final match. Played at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, the high-stakes clash saw Cameroon overcome the 10-time tournament winners in only their second victory over Nigeria in 14 continental encounters, ending the Super Falcons’ streak of consecutive WAFCON titles.
The game’s decisive moment arrived early in the first half when 19-year-old midfielder Myriam Nyadjou struck a beautiful 19th-minute set-piece goal. Spotting space from a dangerous free-kick position, Nyadjou unleashed a rising shot that flew past Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie into the top corner of the net. The early breakthrough gave Valentine Nguele’s side something to hold onto, forcing Nigeria to chase the game under immense pressure.
Despite heavy late pressure from Nigeria’s attack, which included second-half substitute and six-time African Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala, Cameroon’s defense remained unyielding. Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina delivered an heroic display between the posts, stopping nine shots on target and frustrating the Super Falcons at every turn. Her emotional reaction upon receiving the Player of the Match award highlighted the weight of the achievement, having single-handedly kept Nigeria’s star-studded frontline at bay.
With this memorable triumph, Cameroon advance to the WAFCON 2026 semi-finals where they will lock horns with hosts Morocco in Rabat. Crucially, the quarter-final victory automatically books Cameroon’s ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Meanwhile, Nigeria miss out on automatic qualification and must navigate the African play-offs for another opportunity to reach the global stage.
