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Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations suffered a setback after the Super Falcons were edged 1-0 by Cameroon in an international friendly played at the Stade Militaire in Yaoundé, Footynaija reports.
The result was decided in dramatic fashion, with the Indomitable Lionesses scoring deep into stoppage time to claim a rare victory over Africa’s most successful women’s national team.
For Nigeria, however, the evening also marked an important moment of transition and experimentation. Head coach Justine Madugu handed senior debuts to goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor and forward Precious Christopher as he continues to assess options ahead of the continental tournament.
FT | Full time in Yaoundé #SuperFalcons #TheQueens #CMRNGA pic.twitter.com/MgXdfxJzws
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) February 28, 2026
Erhabor, the 20-year-old Portsmouth Women goalkeeper, justified her selection with a confident performance. Calm under pressure, she produced several important saves throughout the contest, particularly during moments when Cameroon attempted to exploit quick transitions.
The opening stages were cautious, with both teams prioritising defensive organisation over attacking risk. Nigeria gradually assumed control through longer spells of possession, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade orchestrating play from midfield areas. Despite enjoying territorial advantage, the Super Falcons struggled to find penetration against a disciplined Cameroonian defensive block.
Clear chances remained limited before the interval, reflecting the competitive balance between two long-standing continental rivals.
After the restart, Nigeria increased the tempo, pushing higher up the pitch and committing more numbers forward. Madugu sought attacking inspiration midway through the second half, introducing Christopher and Folashade Ijamilusi to inject energy into the frontline.
More moments from Yaounde!
— The Super Falcons Show (@Superfalconshow) February 28, 2026
Let’s go, Naija! 💚🤍#TheMTNSuperFalconshow #ThisIsNaija #WhereFootballLives #SoarSuperFalcons #CMRNGA pic.twitter.com/zU9ApkOKZx
The tactical changes brought urgency but not the decisive breakthrough Nigeria required. Cameroon remained compact, absorbing pressure before capitalising on a late opportunity in the 93rd minute to snatch victory.
The win represents only Cameroon’s fourth success in 14 meetings with Nigeria and their first triumph over the Super Falcons since 2015. It also ended Nigeria’s near four-year unbeaten run against African opposition, their previous defeat coming against Zambia at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
While the loss will disappoint, the match served its primary purpose as preparation for WAFCON 2026, where Nigeria aim to defend the title they won in Morocco.
The two sides will face each other again in the second friendly next Tuesday, offering the Super Falcons an immediate opportunity to respond and refine their strategy before the tournament begins.
