Cameroon beat Nigeria 1-0 in the Women Africa Cup of Nations after a 19th-minute free-kick goal proved enough to settle the match. The result sent Cameroon through and brought an end to Nigeria's run, even as the Super Falcons pushed late in search of an equalizer.
The decisive moment came early, when Cameroon scored from a free kick in the 19th minute. From there, Nigeria spent much of the match trying to respond, but Cameroon goalkeeper Michealy repeatedly kept the ball out. Nigeria had another chance in the 76th minute, only for Michealy to catch the ball again. Two minutes later, Cameroon were still ahead as Nigeria continued to search for a way back into the game.
Late pressure from Nigeria
Nigeria created more danger as the second half wore on. In the 80th minute, another Nigeria strike was gathered by Michealy. Three minutes later, Osinachi Ohale gave away a foul that led to a Cameroon free kick, adding to the pressure on Nigeria. Chiamaka Nnadozie then punched a Cameroon attack away for a corner in the 85th minute.
The closing stages brought more urgency, with Jennifer Echegini substituted off in the 90+2 minute and Asisat coming on. But Nigeria's best late chance may have gone begging in the 90+3 minute, when Esther Okoronkwo missed an open-net chance. Nigeria still could not score in the 90+5 minute, and the referee blew the final whistle in the 90+8 minute with Cameroon still in front.
What the result means
The victory was a major result for Cameroon against a Nigeria side that entered the match as the defending champion and a 10-time winner of the competition. It also adds to Cameroon's momentum, with the source noting that Cameroon already has automatic qualification for the 2027 Fifa World Cup. For Nigeria, the focus now turns to regrouping after a narrow defeat in a match they kept alive but could not finish.
