Cameroon Eliminates Nigeria and Makes History at the 2026 WAFCON

Cameroon pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 WAFCON. The Indomitable Lionesses defeated Nigeria 1-0, knocked out the defending champions, and secured not only a place in the semifinals but also direct qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

A stunning goal from Myriam Nyadjou ultimately made the difference, but the star of the afternoon was Michaely Bihina. The Cameroonian goalkeeper produced a spectacular performance, stopping virtually everything the Super Falcons threw at her.

Nigeria came flying out of the gates. Just one minute into the match, Bihina was already forced into action to deny the African champions, who dominated possession and initially pinned Cameroon inside its own half.

However, the momentum began to shift as the minutes passed. The Indomitable Lionesses managed to escape the pressure, gained more control of the ball, and eventually found the moment that would decide the quarterfinal.

A Stunning Goal Changes Everything

In the 18th minute, Myriam Nyadjou delivered.

The Cameroonian stepped up for a free kick from long range and unleashed an absolute rocket that left Chiamaka Nnadozie with no chance. The ball flew into the Nigerian net to make it 1-0 and produce one of the best goals of the entire 2026 WAFCON.

Nigeria's response was immediate, but once again Bihina was there.

In the 28th minute, Rasheedat Ajibade connected first-time with a shot that looked destined for the net, but the Cameroonian goalkeeper came to her team's rescue again. By then, she was already emerging as one of the decisive factors in the match.

The Super Falcons regained control of possession and increased the pressure before halftime. Cameroon, perfectly organized at the back, changed its approach: protect the lead and look for a second goal on the counterattack.

The halftime whistle arrived with the score still 1-0 and Nigeria continuing to push without finding a way through the Cameroonian defense.

Michaely Bihina Becomes the Hero

The second half became almost entirely an exercise in survival for the Indomitable Lionesses.

Nigeria monopolized possession and began racing against the clock. The defending champions needed an equalizer to keep their continental title defense alive, while Cameroon barely crossed the halfway line during some stretches of the match.

But time and time again, Michaely Bihina was there.

The goalkeeper commanded her area, dealt confidently with crosses, and responded every time the Nigerians found an opening. In the 69th minute, she produced another one of the biggest moments of the match, making a spectacular one-handed save to keep out a header that appeared to have caught her out of position.

In the 78th minute, she came to Cameroon's rescue again following another dangerous Nigeria attack.

Cameroon, meanwhile, waited for any opportunity to send long balls toward Marie Ngah Manga and exploit the huge spaces beginning to appear as the Nigerians committed more players forward.

The Indomitable Lionesses even had an opportunity to put the match away in the 84th minute, but this time Chiamaka Nnadozie responded with a huge save to keep the Super Falcons alive.

Nigeria Had the Equalizer in the 93rd Minute

The final minutes were pure drama.

Nigeria attacked from virtually every position, while Cameroon defended every ball as if it were the last.

Then came the opportunity that could have changed everything.

In the 93rd minute, a mistake from Raissa Mbappé left Esther Okoronkwo almost completely through on goal. The Nigerian managed to delicately touch the ball past the onrushing Bihina, and for a few seconds, it looked as though the equalizer was coming.

The ball slowly rolled wide of the post.

It was the opportunity Nigeria had been waiting for throughout almost the entire second half, but it did not go in.

The Super Falcons launched a few final attacks, while the Cameroonians fought for every ball and tried to run down the remaining seconds.

There was no time for anything else.

Cameroon Knocks Out the Champions and Heads to the World Cup

Cameroon defeated Nigeria 1-0 to claim only its second victory in 14 meetings against the Super Falcons in WAFCON history.

And it could hardly have come at a more important moment.

The Indomitable Lionesses eliminated the defending champions, advanced to the 2026 WAFCON semifinals, and secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

For Nigeria, the result brings its continental title defense to an end with a historic elimination against one of its biggest African rivals.

For Cameroon, however, this will be a night impossible to forget.

Myriam Nyadjou delivered the wonder goal.

The defense held firm until the final second.

But Michaely Bihina produced the performance of her life.

Cameroon 1-0 Nigeria. The champions are out, and the Indomitable Lionesses are heading back to the World Cup.