Super Falcons. Photo by IMAGO
Reigning African champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cameroon at the Military Stadium in Yaoundé on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The encounter was the first of two international friendly matches organised as preparation for the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Nigeria head into the tournament as defending champions and will aim to retain their continental crown next month. Cameroon, meanwhile, are preparing for a return to the competition after missing the 2024 edition.
Head coach Justine Madugu named a bold and experimental starting lineup that mixed experienced players with new faces.
Portsmouth goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor made her senior international debut, protected by a defensive line led by Galatasaray centre-back Tosin Demehin alongside Shukurat Oladipo, Sikiratu Isah and Glory Ogbonna.
In midfield, returning veteran Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene joined Christy Ucheibe, captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Paris Saint-Germain star Jennifer Echegini. Up front, Rinsola Babajide partnered Gift Monday as Nigeria looked to impose themselves early.
The Super Falcons controlled large parts of the match but struggled to convert their dominance into goals. Poor finishing, rushed decisions in the final third and disciplined Cameroonian defending ensured the game remained goalless at halftime.
Late heartbreak ends Super Falcons’ unbeaten African run
Nigeria pushed harder after the break, with Folashade Ijamilusi and debutant Precious Christopher introduced midway through the second half in search of a breakthrough.
Despite sustained pressure, the Falcons could not find the cutting edge needed to break down the hosts. Cameroon stayed organised and waited patiently for their moment.
That opportunity arrived deep into stoppage time when the Indomitable Lionesses struck a dramatic late winner, sealing only their fourth victory in 14 meetings against Nigeria, and their first triumph over the Super Falcons since 2015.
The result also brought an end to Nigeria’s impressive near four-year unbeaten run against African opposition. The last time the Falcons lost to an African rival was a 1-0 defeat to Zambia in the third-place match at the 2022 WAFCON.
Madugu’s side will now return to the drawing board as they prepare for the second leg of the friendly series on Tuesday, March 3.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, hosted once again by Morocco, will run from March 17 to April 3. Nigeria lifted the most recent edition in Morocco, while South Africa won the previous tournament, setting the stage for another fiercely contested continental battle.