Nigeria’s Super Falcons were eliminated from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday after losing 1-0 to Cameroon in the quarterfinals. The defeat ended Nigeria’s campaign at the tournament and denied the nine-time African champions another opportunity to add to their record title haul. The Super Falcons have long been the dominant force in women’s football on the continent, having won the inaugural Women’s African Championship in 1998 and claimed eight subsequent titles.
Cameroon, meanwhile, secured a place in the semifinals with a narrow victory over one of Africa’s most decorated women’s national teams. The Indomitable Lionesses have historically been among Nigeria’s strongest rivals, with their meetings often producing closely contested matches at major African tournaments.
Nigeria entered the knockout stage with high expectations after progressing from the group phase, but Cameroon’s disciplined performance proved decisive. The Super Falcons struggled to find the breakthrough as Cameroon defended its advantage and protected the narrow lead through the closing stages.
The result represents a setback for Nigeria, which has remained a central figure in the development of women’s football in Africa. The Super Falcons have also featured prominently on the global stage, including at multiple FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments, helping establish Nigeria as one of the continent’s most successful women’s national teams.
For Cameroon, the victory provides another significant chapter in its rivalry with Nigeria and sends the team into the final four with momentum. The Indomitable Lionesses will now turn their attention to the semifinals as they pursue their first WAFCON title since finishing runners-up in 2016.
Nigeria’s elimination leaves the team to reflect on a campaign that fell short of expectations, while Cameroon advances with its continental title ambitions still alive.
