Supercomputer backs Nigeria to beat Cameroon as WAFCON 2026 quarter-finals begin

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals begin today, with a supercomputer predicting a 2-1 victory for Nigeria against Cameroon and narrow wins for Morocco, Ivory Coast and Ghana in the last eight.

The quarter-final winners will not only move closer to the continental title but will also secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. That added reward means the four ties carry significance beyond the race for African silverware.

Ivory Coast face Algeria in the first of the two fixtures, while hosts Morocco meet South Africa in what is arguably the most significant match of the round.

Morocco have enjoyed a smooth tournament so far, and the supercomputer has forecast a 1-0 victory for the hosts. It described the tie as the most difficult of the quarter-finals to predict, with the two teams considered evenly matched both physically and tactically.

South Africa have reached the semi-finals in each of their past nine WAFCON appearances and possess considerable attacking quality, including Thembi Kgatlana, Hilda Magaia, Linda Motlhalo and Refiloe Jane.

However, Morocco’s home advantage could prove decisive. The Atlas Lionesses have looked particularly comfortable during the competition, and the backing of the home crowd is expected to give them an important edge against the defending strength of South Africa.

Ivory Coast are also predicted to progress, with the computer forecasting a 2-1 win over Algeria.

Algeria finished second behind Morocco in Group A, while Ivory Coast topped Group B with seven points. The Ivorians were favoured because of the variety in their approach, with the ability to control possession when required but also defend firmly without the ball.

That balance is expected to help them overcome an Algeria side that impressed during the group phase.

The prediction for the meeting between Nigeria and Cameroon is similarly close. Cameroon collected seven points in the group stage, one more than Nigeria, and have conceded only two goals in the tournament.

Nigeria, the 10-time champions, needed results elsewhere to go their way before securing their place in the quarter-finals. They now face a Cameroon side that has caused them problems in previous meetings, meaning Justin Madugu’s team cannot afford any lapse in concentration.

Despite Cameroon’s stronger group-stage record, the supercomputer has selected Nigeria to win 2-1. Its assessment is that the contest could turn either way, with the team scoring first likely to have the advantage.

The final quarter-final will see Malawi take on Ghana. Malawi are competing at this stage for the first time and will be seeking to extend what has already been a fairytale run.

Ghana, however, are viewed as the more likely winners because of their experience, having reached the final three times. Their ability to absorb pressure and remain organised was also identified as a key factor, leading to a predicted 2-1 victory for the Black Queens.

The quarter-final fixtures are therefore expected to produce tight matches, with the supercomputer forecasting margins of one goal in every tie.