Cameroon Stands Between Super Falcons and 10-consecutive World Cup Appearances – THISDAYLIVE

The Super Falcons of Nigeria will face Cameroon in a heavyweight quarter-final clash at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca today, with a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil at stake. 

Nigeria booked their place in the last eight as Group C runners-up after recovering from an opening-day defeat to Malawi with victories over Zambia and Egypt.

Cameroon, meanwhile, topped Group D unbeaten after recording wins over Mali and Ghana before drawing 1-1 with Cape Verde in their final group game.

The stakes are particularly high because the winner of Sunday’s quarter-final will secure automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The defeated side will still have a route through the WAFCON play-offs, but Nigeria will be determined to avoid that extra hurdle.

The Super Falcons lost 3-2 to Malawi in their opening game, with Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga both finding the net in a major tournament upset.

Justine Madugu’s side responded with a 1-0 victory over Zambia, Asisat Oshoala scoring the decisive goal, before producing their best attacking performance of the group stage in a 6-2 demolition of Egypt.

That run of results lifted Nigeria to six points and second place in Group C. They finished behind Malawi on the head-to-head tiebreaker after all three leading teams ended the group stage on six points.

The Indomitable Lionesses opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Mali before beating Ghana 1-0. They then drew 1-1 with Cape Verde to finish top of Group D with seven points.

Cameroon enter the quarter-final unbeaten, but Nigeria’s greater experience in knockout football gives the defending champions reason for optimism.

The Super Falcons have also already shown during this tournament that they can respond to adversity. After…