Super Falcons knocked out of WAFCON, face playoff route to 2027 World Cup

Nigeria’s bid to retain the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title ended on Sunday following a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.

The result not only ended the Super Falcons’ reign as African champions but also denied them an automatic ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Nigeria must now qualify through a playoff tournament.

The encounter was fiercely contested, with both teams involved in a physical battle in midfield and defence.

Cameroon took the lead in the 20th minute through Myriam Nyadjou, whose strike proved to be the decisive goal of the match.

Nigeria increased the pressure in search of an equaliser, but the Cameroonian defence remained organised and difficult to break down. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade attempted to drive the Falcons forward, yet the team was largely restricted to long-range efforts and failed to create clear-cut chances before halftime.

After the break, Cameroon pressed higher up the pitch and disrupted Nigeria’s build-up play. The Super Falcons continued to push for a late equaliser, including during stoppage time, but could not find a breakthrough.

The victory sends Cameroon into the semi-finals and secures a top-four finish, which comes with an automatic qualification spot for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

For Nigeria, the defeat marks a major setback as the Super Falcons will now have to navigate the playoff route to keep their World Cup hopes alive.