Cameroon ready to ‘give everything’ against Nigeria in WAFCON quarter-final

Cameroon midfielder Naomi Eto says the Indomitable Lionesses will give everything when they meet defending champions Nigeria in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.

The two West African sides will contest a place in the semi-finals at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, with the winner also securing automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria remain favourites to advance despite a slow start to the tournament. Cameroon, though, have made an impressive beginning to their campaign, finishing the group stage with two wins and a draw from three matches.

Eto accepts the scale of the challenge posed by Justine Madugu’s side but believes Cameroon can reach the last four if they execute their plan.

“Nigeria is a very great nation in African Women’s Football and deserves all our respect. We know we are not the favourites and, in fact, we never really were in this competition. But we also know what we want to achieve,” Eto was quoted by CAFonline.

” We have a game plan prepared by the staff and we work everyday to progress, both in training and during video meetings or even in our exchanges amongst the players.

The midfielder said Cameroon are aware that the knockout stage leaves no room for error, while stressing that Nigeria’s status as favourites will not decide the outcome before the match is played.

“We know that every match is different. Football always has surprises in store. At this stage of the competition, there will inevitably be a winner. Nigeria has great qualities, but a match is played on the pitch. One thing is certain – we will give everything on the pitch.”

A victory would take Cameroon into the semi-finals and confirm their place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The Indomitable Lionesses are also determined to retain the style and approach that has taken them through the group stage.

Eto said the team’s priority was to continue enjoying their football while following the instructions of the technical staff and addressing weaknesses identified during their preparations.

“We will approach this match as we have approached all the others since the start of the tournament. Our goal is to continue to have fun together, because it is this state of mind that has allowed us to come this far,” Eto added.

“We will not change the way we play. We will continue our work, apply the technical staff’s plan and seek to correct the few shortcomings that we have identified.

“We have little time, but we will make the best use of it to be more effective. We know there is a favourite, and it’s not us, but in football nothing is a foregone conclusion.”

The Super Falcons are seeking to continue their defence of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, while Cameroon aim to upset one of the competition’s leading contenders and book their place in the final four.

By Adeboye Amosu