/* SC_TH_END:4.5.3:a08d7e90 */ Cameroon Make Six Changes for High-Stakes Nigeria WAFCON Quarter-Final - Nigeria Football
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Cameroon Make Six Changes for High-Stakes Nigeria WAFCON Quarter-Final

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Cameroon Make Six Changes for High-Stakes Nigeria WAFCON Quarter-Final

Cameroon head coach Valentine Nguèle has made six changes to his starting XI for the high-stakes TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-final showdown against perennial rivals Nigeria at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

Goalkeeper Michael Kyria Bihina comes into the starting XI, replacing Cathy Biya, while Esther Kelsy Mayi Kith replaces **Berthe Reine Bengono.

Michaela Toko Njoya returns to the XI, with Marie Gisele Ngah Manga also handed a starting role. In midfield, Charlène Yverna Meyong Menene replaces Brunelle Ebolé Kome, while Yvana Makana Yakana comes in for Naomi Mbeleck.

The changes reflect Nguèle’s tactical approach for a match that carries enormous significance for the Indomitable Lionesses.

Cameroon Starting XI

GK: Michael Kyria Bihina

DEF: Esther Kelsy Mayi Kith, Michaela Toko Njoya, Colette Ndzana Fegue, Myriam Maëva Nyadjou Wamen, Yvana Makana Yakana

MID: Charlène Yverna Meyong Menene, Monique Ngock

FW: Grâce Mendoua, Naomi Leslie Ndjoah Eto, Marie Gisele Ngah Manga

Cameroon’s six changes see Biya, Bengono, Onguene, Kome, Belou and Mbeleck drop out of the starting XI, with Bihina, Mayi Kith, Njoya, Manga, Meyong and Yakana coming in.

What is at stake for Cameroon?

For Cameroon, there is no room for error. Victory over Nigeria will send the Indomitable Lionesses into the WAFCON semi-finals, keeping alive their hopes of reaching the final and challenging for a first continental title.

The quarter-final is also an opportunity for Cameroon to overcome one of their biggest historical obstacles in African women’s football. Nigeria have traditionally dominated this rivalry, making the encounter another major test of Cameroon’s progress on the continental stage.

A defeat, meanwhile, will end Cameroon’s WAFCON title hopes and send Nigeria through to the last four, leaving the Indomitable Lionesses to fight for the remaining classification positions.

For Nguèle and his players, therefore, the equation is simple: win and continue the journey towards continental glory, or lose and see their WAFCON campaign come to an end.

The winner will advance to face hosts Morocco in the semi-final, while the loser will battle South Africa for the intercontinental playoff spot.

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Samuel Ahmadu
Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams. In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.