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WAFCON 2026: Eto’s Fearless Cameroon Ready to Roar Against Nigeria
Naomi Eto has no fear of Nigeria. The 21-year-old rising star is relishing Cameroon’s WAFCON quarter-final showdown with the Super Falcons — and believes anything is possible.
Naomi Eto announced herself on the international stage at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia in 2024. Two years later, the 21-year-old is making another major step in her young career at her first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
And she is already looking at home.
Cameroon head into Sunday’s quarter-final against Nigeria in Casablanca unbeaten and full of confidence. Standing in their way are the Super Falcons, the most successful team in the history of the competition and one of the biggest forces in African women’s football.
But Eto and the Indomitable Lionesses are refusing to be intimidated.
Cameroon may not have arrived at the tournament among the favourites, but they have quietly built momentum. After navigating the group stage, the team has developed a strong collective belief — and Eto believes that unity could be their biggest weapon against Nigeria.
“It is my first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, so I’m still discovering the competition,” Eto told CAF “I’m gradually getting my bearings, even though time is short in a tournament like this. I’m trying to adapt, keep working and keep learning.”
The young midfielder says Cameroon’s progress to the quarter-finals has been one of the biggest highlights of her tournament experience, particularly given the doubts surrounding the team before the competition.
“We needed to take that first step, especially because not many people expected us to reach this level,” she said. “We didn’t have the ideal preparations, but we managed to get through the group stage.”
Beyond the results, Eto has been impressed by the spirit within the squad.
“Whether you are a starter or a substitute, everyone is living this adventure together. We share good moments, we work hard and we move forward as one team.”
That togetherness will be tested against Nigeria, a side whose pedigree needs little introduction.
Eto acknowledges the strength of the Super Falcons but insists Cameroon will not approach the quarter-final with fear.
“Nigeria are a great nation in African women’s football and deserve all our respect,” she said. “We know we are not the favourites. In fact, we never really were in this competition. But we also know what we want to achieve.”
Cameroon have been working closely with their technical staff to prepare for the challenge, with tactical sessions, video analysis and player discussions all forming part of their preparations.
“Every match is different. Football always has surprises in store,” Eto said. “Nigeria have great qualities, but the match will be played on the pitch. One thing is certain — we will give everything on the pitch.”
For a player who is still discovering the biggest stage in African women’s football, facing Nigeria in a WAFCON quarter-final is a moment to embrace.
“Playing against a team of this level is obviously something special. Many Cameroonian players would dream of being in this position,” Eto said. “If I am part of this squad today, it is because the staff saw potential in me.”
Yet Eto is reluctant to describe a Cameroon victory as a shock.
“I wouldn’t call it a surprise,” she said. “We will approach this match the same way we have approached every other game since the start of the tournament.”
That approach is built around confidence, discipline and enjoyment.
“Our goal is to continue enjoying ourselves together because that state of mind has helped us come this far,” Eto explained. “We will not change the way we play. We will continue our work, follow the technical staff’s plan and correct the weaknesses we have identified.”
Time may be short before the decisive encounter, but Eto believes Cameroon can use every available moment to sharpen their game.
“We have little time, but we will use it as well as possible to become more effective,” she said.
Cameroon’s unbeaten run has also highlighted the importance of their collective strength. Eto believes the team’s togetherness, rather than individual brilliance, has been the foundation of their campaign.
“Our greatest strength is the collective,” she said. “There is an excellent atmosphere within the group, which allows us to approach every match with confidence and positivity.”
Above all, she says, the Indomitable Lionesses possess a fighting spirit.
“We constantly support and encourage each other and, on the pitch, we form a real family.”
That mentality will be crucial against Nigeria.
The mood in the Cameroon camp, according to Eto, remains remarkably calm despite the magnitude of the occasion.
“The mood is very calm. We are not stressed,” she said. “Since the start of the tournament, we have shown that we can respond despite the doubts surrounding our team.”
Now, with a place in the semi-finals at stake, Cameroon are ready to test themselves against the continent’s most decorated WAFCON nation.
Nigeria may have the history. They may have the reputation. And they may enter the quarter-final as favourites.
But Cameroon have belief.
And Eto has a simple message ahead of the biggest test of her first WAFCON campaign: “In football, nothing is a foregone conclusion.”
For the Indomitable Lionesses, that belief could be the beginning of something special.
