NIGERIA LOSE TO CAMEROON IN WAFCON QUARTER-FINAL

Nigeria failed to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 Fifa Women's World Cup after losing 1-0 to Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the ongoing Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Sunday. Cameroon progressed to the semi-finals through a first-half free-kick from Myriam Nyadjou. The defeat means Nigeria must now face South Africa in a play-off on Thursday to remain in contention for a World Cup place via an inter-confederation qualifier later this year.

Cameroon, Algeria, Malawi and Morocco have all guaranteed spots at the 2027 World Cup by reaching the semi-finals. Nigeria, champions at last year's Wafcon, have competed at all nine previous editions of the Women's World Cup since the inaugural tournament in China in 1991. The Super Falcons reached the quarter-finals in 1999 and the last 16 at the two most recent tournaments. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie told the BBC World Service that the squad must "go back to the drawing board" following the loss, though she stated "there's still hope — it's not over yet".

The play-off winners from Nigeria versus South Africa and Ghana versus Ivory Coast will enter a 10-nation global inter-confederation competition. A preliminary stage will be held in November and December, with a final round in February to determine the last three qualifiers for the 2027 World Cup, which begins on 24 June. Midfielder Jennifer Echegini said Nigeria created numerous opportunities against Cameroon but felt they were "a bit unfortunate" in the result.