Nigeria’s Super Falcons will meet Cameroon in a heavyweight quarter-final at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca on Sunday, with victory securing automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The losing side will still have a route to the tournament through the WAFCON play-offs, but Nigeria will be determined to avoid that additional hurdle as they continue their title defence.
Nigeria reached the last eight as runners-up in Group C after recovering from a surprise 3-2 defeat by Malawi in their opening match. They responded with a 1-0 win against Zambia, Asisat Oshoala scoring the decisive goal, before producing their most impressive attacking display of the group stage in a 6-2 victory over Egypt.
Those results gave the Super Falcons six points and second place. They finished behind Malawi on the head-to-head tiebreaker after all three leading teams ended the group stage with six points.
Cameroon topped Group D unbeaten. They began with a 2-1 victory over Mali, followed that with a 1-0 win against Ghana and completed their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Cape Verde. The result left them on seven points.
The Indomitable Lionesses have conceded only two goals in three matches, while Nigeria have scored nine and allowed five. That defensive record gives Cameroon confidence, although Nigeria’s stronger attacking return and greater experience in high-pressure knockout matches could prove decisive.
Nigeria have already demonstrated their ability to recover from adversity in Morocco. After losing to Malawi, they kept clean sheets against Zambia and produced a ruthless performance against Egypt. The challenge now is to maintain that balance against a Cameroon side that has been difficult to break down.
Team news
Nigeria retain the core of the squad that won a record-extending 10th WAFCON title last year. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Oshoala, Jennifer Echegini, Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale and Oluwatosin Demehin are among the experienced players available to coach Justine Madugu.
Oshoala scored against Zambia and started the 6-2 win over Egypt, although she hobbled off in the first half. No serious injury has been reported so far.
Gift Monday has also emerged as an important attacking option after scoring against Egypt as a substitute.
Ashleigh Plumptre remains unavailable after missing the tournament because of injury. Madugu is therefore expected to rely on a defence featuring Ohale, Demehin, Alozie, Imuran and Oladipo.
Cameroon have combined experienced internationals with emerging talent during their unbeaten group-stage campaign. Washington Spirit midfielder Monique Ngock has been particularly influential, helping the Lionesses control possession and dictate the tempo in midfield.
Cameroon’s attack is capable of troubling Nigeria, although their scoring record has not been as explosive as that of the Super Falcons. There have been no recorded injuries among the squads available in Morocco.
Cameroon projected XI: Biya; Abega, Nyadjou, Dabda, Ndzana; Tome, Ngock, Mbele; Eto, Mendoua, Onguene.
Nigeria projected XI: Nnadozie; Alozie, Demehin, Ohale, Imuran; Abiodun, Ucheibe; Kanu, Ajibade, Echegini; Oshoala.
Recent meetings favour Nigeria
The history of decisive WAFCON meetings strongly favours Nigeria.
The Super Falcons defeated Cameroon 1-0 in the 2016 final, with Desire Oparanozie scoring late. Nigeria then eliminated the Lionesses on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the 2018 semi-final, before recording another 1-0 victory in the 2022 quarter-final.
That 2022 meeting also took place in Casablanca and saw Rasheedat Ajibade score the only goal. The victory sent Nigeria through to the 2023 Women’s World Cup and marked the fourth successive WAFCON edition in which they had eliminated Cameroon.
The rivalry has become one of the defining contests in African women’s football. Cameroon won the teams’ first friendly meeting earlier this year in Yaounde, but Nigeria responded by winning the second encounter 3-1.
Sunday’s match is expected to be much tighter than Nigeria’s final group game against Egypt. Cameroon’s defensive organisation and unbeaten record should ensure they approach the quarter-final with confidence, while Nigeria’s experience of managing crucial WAFCON knockout matches could give them the edge.
The key for Nigeria will be to avoid another slow start. Cameroon possess the physical strength and discipline to punish defensive mistakes, but if the Super Falcons control midfield and allow Ajibade and Kanu to operate in dangerous areas, they should have enough quality to progress.