Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie admitted Nigeria “gave everything” but could not avoid a shock 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final in Casablanca on Sunday.
The result ended Nigeria’s hopes of winning a record-extending 11th WAFCON title and marked their first-ever quarter-final defeat in the competition.
Cameroon took the lead in the 19th minute through Maéva Nyadjou, whose stunning free-kick flew into the top corner.
The Falcons pushed for an equaliser, particularly after the break, but Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina produced several saves to keep her side ahead. Esther Okoronkwo also missed a late chance in stoppage time as Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals faded.
Nnadozie said the team was unhappy with the performance but remained confident they could respond when they face South Africa on Thursday, with a place in the 2027 Women’s World Cup inter-confederation play-offs at stake.
“It was a very difficult game. We played our hearts out, we gave everything out, but it wasn’t enough to get the victory today. We missed a lot of chances,” Nnadozie said after the defeat.
“Everyone is not happy with the performance. We’ve spoken to ourselves and I believe that we will go back to the drawing board. We’re trying to get it right,” she said.
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