Nigeria’s Super Falcons will have to take the longer route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The loss means Nigeria will not be among the four teams to qualify directly for the World Cup through the WAFCON semi-finals.

Cameroon secured victory through Nyadjou’s 19th-minute strike, which proved decisive as the Indomitable Lionesses held on to their narrow advantage until the end of the encounter.

The Super Falcons created several opportunities in search of an equaliser but were unable to breach the Cameroonian defence.

Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina played a key role in preserving her side’s lead, making eight saves as Nigeria mounted pressure in the second half.

With their quarter-final exit, the Super Falcons will now join the other three teams eliminated at the same stage in the African play-off competition for another chance to qualify for the global tournament.

The four nations that progress to the WAFCON semi-finals are guaranteed places at the 2027 Women’s World Cup, which will be staged in Brazil.

Nigeria’s defeat has therefore made its qualification campaign more difficult, although the Super Falcons remain in contention for a place at the tournament.

The play-off route could provide Nigeria with an opportunity to advance to the inter-confederation play-offs, where they would have another chance to secure a World Cup berth.

The Super Falcons must now regroup and overcome the additional qualification hurdle if they are to extend their record of appearances at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.