Nigeria consider goalkeeper change after Nnadozie error against Cameroon

Nigeria head coach Justine Madugu says he may change his goalkeeper for Thursday’s decisive play-in match against South Africa after Chiamaka Nnadozie’s mistake contributed to a 1-0 defeat by Cameroon in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

Nnadozie was unable to keep out Cameroon’s winning goal in Sunday’s tightly contested match, with Maeva Nyadjou scoring in the 19th minute.

The Brighton goalkeeper attempted to deal with Nyadjou’s free-kick but pushed the ball into her own net, giving the Indomitable Lionesses a lead they defended until the final whistle.

The result ended Nigeria’s hopes of winning a record-extending 11th WAFCON title. It also meant the Super Falcons missed out on automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria must now overcome South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in Thursday’s play-in encounter to remain in contention for a place at the global tournament. A victory over Desiree Ellis’ side would secure Nigeria a place in the inter-confederation playoffs.

Madugu indicated that all positions, including goalkeeper, would be reviewed before the crucial match and suggested that another member of his squad could be given an opportunity.

“It’s natural that when things like this happen, we have to do an overall assessment of the team,” Madugu was quoted by ESPN.

“what went wrong, what we did well, where did we get it wrong.

“We have to do an overall assessment and see what we can do in the shortest possible time before the next game against South Africa.

“There’s nothing bad in exploring other players.”

The Super Falcons’ defeat was a damaging setback after they had been targeting another continental title, but the play-in fixture offers them a route back into the race for World Cup qualification.

South Africa, coached by Ellis, will stand between Nigeria and that opportunity. The outcome will determine whether the Super Falcons continue their qualification campaign through the inter-confederation play-offs or see their hopes of reaching the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup end.

The other play-in match on Thursday will feature Ghana against Cote d’Ivoire.

Nigeria’s meeting with South Africa therefore carries significance beyond the immediate disappointment of the quarter-final loss. With automatic qualification no longer available, Madugu’s team must respond quickly and secure victory to keep its World Cup ambitions alive.

The coach’s comments suggest the decision on who will start in goal is still open, with the team’s overall performance against Cameroon also set to be examined before the next fixture.