Nigeria’s Super Falcons have lost their automatic qualification route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after suffering a 1–0 defeat to Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the WAFCON 2026.

Nyadjou’s 19th-minute goal proved decisive as Cameroon held off a determined Nigerian side to secure victory and advance, leaving the Super Falcons to fight through the play-off route for a place at the global tournament.

Nigeria created several chances in search of an equaliser, but Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina produced a commanding performance, making eight saves to frustrate the Super Falcons and preserve her side’s lead.

Despite sustained pressure from Nigeria, the Super Falcons were unable to find a breakthrough, with Bihina standing firm whenever the Nigerian attack threatened to level the contest.

The defeat means Nigeria will no longer qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup through the WAFCON route.

Under the qualification format, only the four teams that reach the semi-finals of the African championship earn direct tickets to the World Cup. As one of the defeated quarter-finalists, Nigeria must now take the longer route alongside the other three quarter-final losers.

The Super Falcons will enter the African play-offs, where the winner will earn the opportunity to progress to the inter-confederation play-offs for another chance to qualify for the World Cup.

Although the defeat has dealt a major blow to Nigeria’s qualification hopes, the Super Falcons are still in contention for the tournament in Brazil.

They must now navigate the additional play-off stages to keep their hopes of featuring at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup alive.

The tournament is scheduled to take place in Brazil.