2026 Women’s AFCON: Lionesses Advance To Semi-finals

A ll hail Maeva Nyadjou of Guinness Super League side Amazone FAP. At the 19th minute, the defender, from a free-kick spot, scored the goal that gave Cameroon a 1–0 victory over 10-time champions Nigeria in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The game was played yesterday, August 9, 2026, at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. The victory does not only send Cameroon through to the semi-finals but also secures the team’s place at the 2027 FIFA Wo­ men’s World Cup in Brazil. It will be Cameroon’s third appearance at the World Cup, following their participa­ tions in 2015 and 2019. History did not favour Cameroon entering the encounter. Nigeria had dominated the previous 13 mee­ tings, winning nine in open play and two more on penalties. Came­ roon had recorded just one victory, while another match ended in a draw. Yesterday, however, Cameroon secured its second win in 14 en­ counters between the two teams, thanks to a fighting spirit that saw the Lionesses play without an infe­ riority complex. The highly combative squad that showed much resilience, finally earned the victory after Nyad­ jou’s 19th-minute goal, was protec­ ted until the end of regular time. Nigeria threatened severally, but goalkeeper Michaely Bihina deserves credit for her numerous saves. She was in...