WAFCON 2026: Obafemi ‘sad and disappointed’ as Cameroon end Nigeria’s title defence

Former Nigeria defender Abiodun Obafemi has described the Super Falcons’ quarter-final defeat by Cameroon as a “disappointing performance” after the defending champions were knocked out of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Nigeria were beaten 1-0 by Cameroon in Casablanca on Sunday, with Myriam Nyadjou’s first-half free-kick deciding a tightly contested match. The result ended the Super Falcons’ hopes of retaining their continental title and also cost them an automatic place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Nyadjou, 19, opened the scoring after 19 minutes with a powerful rising effort that flew beyond the reach of Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie before finding the corner of the net.

Despite Nigeria’s efforts to respond, Cameroon held on for a notable victory and advanced to the semi-finals. The defeat brought an early end to a competition in which the Super Falcons had previously established an exceptional record.

Nigeria had never failed to reach at least the semi-finals in the 35-year history of Africa’s leading women’s international tournament. Their quarter-final exit therefore represents a significant setback for the holders.

Speaking to Completesports.com after the match, Obafemi said he was disappointed by the result but believed the players could use the experience to improve in future competitions.

“I feel sad and disappointed that the Super Falcons lost 1-0 to their Cameroonian counterpart. However, it is what it is at the moment.”

He also acknowledged the emotional effect of the result on the squad, particularly because Nigeria will no longer have the opportunity to defend the trophy they won previously.

“I believe the Super Falcons players will also feel the same disappointment as well, considering the fact that they won’t have the chance to defend their trophy again.”

Obafemi urged the team to examine the mistakes that led to their elimination and use the lessons to build for the future.

“We can always learn from our mistakes and be stronger in future competitions.”

Cameroon’s victory has secured their place at the next stage of the tournament and also guaranteed them a World Cup place. They will meet hosts Morocco in Wednesday’s semi-final in Rabat.

Nigeria still have a route towards the 2027 Women’s World Cup, but they must now face South Africa in one of Wednesday’s play-in matches. Victory would take the Super Falcons into the inter-confederation play-offs for next year’s tournament in Brazil.

The defeat means Nigeria’s campaign has ended earlier than expected, while Cameroon continue their pursuit of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.