Nigeria’s Super Falcons have lost their automatic qualification ticket for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in their WAFCON 2026 quarter-final encounter.

Nyadjou’s 19th-minute strike proved decisive as Cameroon held on for a crucial victory, despite sustained pressure from the nine-time African champions.

The Super Falcons created several opportunities to level the score, but Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina produced an outstanding display, making eight saves to keep Nigeria at bay.

Nigeria repeatedly searched for an equaliser but struggled to find a way past the inspired Bihina, who remained composed throughout the contest to preserve Cameroon’s advantage.

The defeat means Nigeria will not qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup through the WAFCON route.

Only the four teams that reach the semi-finals of the African championship will secure direct qualification for the tournament in Brazil.

As a defeated quarter-finalist, Nigeria will now enter the African play-off alongside the other three quarter-final losers.

The Super Falcons must win through that play-off route to earn the opportunity to progress to the inter-confederation play-offs for another chance to secure a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

The loss therefore represents a major setback for Nigeria, but their World Cup hopes remain alive.

The Super Falcons will now have to navigate the longer and more difficult qualification route if they are to maintain their record of appearing at every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup since the tournament began.