Nigeria was 'kicked out' of the African championship by Cameroon, losing their World Cup ticket.

The Nigerian women's national team faced a huge upset at the 2026 WAFCON, losing 0-1 to Cameroon in the quarter-finals, which ended their reign as champions and cost them an automatic spot at the 2027 Women's World Cup.

The Nigerian women's team entered the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as the reigning champions and the most successful team in the tournament's history. However, Cameroon created one of the biggest surprises of the competition by defeating them with a minimal score.

The one who made Nigeria regret was Myriam Nyadjou, a 19-year-old talent of the Cameroon women's team. In the 19th minute, Nyadjou took a free kick from a long distance. The ball went with immense power, straight into the corner of the goal as the Nigerian goalkeeper was completely helpless.

A genius moment from a teenage player changed the fate of both teams. The Nigerian women's team then tried to find an equalizer but could not break through Cameroon's defense. The 1-0 score was maintained until the end of the match, meaning Super Eaglesofficially eliminated from WAFCON.

The shock didn't stop there. Since WAFCON also serves as the qualifier for the 2027 Women's World Cup, the Cameroon women's team secured a direct ticket to the biggest football event on the planet, while Nigeria must enter the complicated play-off path if they want to continue their hopes of going to Brazil.

This is a particularly bitter scenario for Super Eagles as this team had participated in all 9 previous Women's World CupsIf they do not pass the play-off round, the Nigerian women's team will for the first time in history be absent from the tournament.

Meanwhile, the Cameroon women's team, along with Algeria and host Morocco, have become the African representatives to earn direct tickets to Women's World Cup 2027.

The defeat ofSuper Eagles also means that this year's WAFCON will certainly see a new champion. The Nigerian women's team had 10 championship titlesbut could not defend their throne after being shocked by Cameroon in the quarter-finals.

Notably, The Indomitable Lionessesdid not need many opportunities to make a difference. They perfectly capitalized on the moment from Nyadjou's free kick and then successfully defended the fragile advantage against the pressure of the defending champions.

For the Nigerian women's team, the road to the World Cup is now much more difficult. They still have a chance through the play-off round, but no longer have the self-determination of a direct spot.

As for the Cameroon women's team, this victory could become a historic turning point. A player just 19 years old scored the decisive goal, helping her team kick out Nigeria from WAFCON and send Cameroon straight to the 2027 Women's World Cup.