Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been eliminated from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cameroon.

The quarter-final clash proved difficult for the defending champions, with Cameroon taking control during the opening half.

The Indomitable Lionesses applied pressure from the early stages and eventually found the breakthrough in the 19th minute.

Cameroon won a free-kick in a promising position, and Nyadjou stepped up to deliver the decisive moment.

Her effort beat Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and gave Cameroon a lead they refused to surrender.

Nigeria returned from the interval with greater urgency and spent much of the second half searching for an equaliser.

The Falcons created several opportunities and tested the Cameroonian defence repeatedly, but goalkeeper Michaely produced a series of important saves to keep her team ahead.

Esther Okoronkwo came particularly close to rescuing Nigeria in stoppage time but was unable to convert a late opportunity.

Despite Nigeria’s sustained pressure, the equaliser never arrived before the referee brought the contest to an end.

The result ends Nigeria’s campaign and their hopes of defending the WAFCON crown.

The defeat also brings an end to their run as the competition’s reigning champions and leaves Cameroon celebrating a major victory over their West African rivals.

Cameroon’s success also earns them an automatic place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

For Nigeria, attention will now turn to rebuilding after a disappointing exit from the continental tournament.