Super Falcons Beat Cameroon 3–1 In Yaoundé To Boost 2026 WAFCON Preparations
Babajide Scores And Assists As Falcons Level Friendly Series Ahead Of Morocco 2026
Nigeria’s Super Falcons defeated Cameroon 3–1 on Tuesday at the Military Stadium in Yaoundé, overturning an early deficit to level their two-match international friendly series and strengthen preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The fixture formed part of both teams’ build-up to the continental tournament in Morocco, where Nigeria will defend their title.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the result in its official match report, stating that Head Coach Justin Madugu introduced seven changes to the starting line-up following Saturday’s 1–0 defeat in the first leg. Cameroon took the lead in the seventh minute, but Nigeria responded decisively.
Chinwendu Ihezuo equalised in the 32nd minute when she headed home Rinsola Babajide’s cross. Babajide then put Nigeria ahead just before half-time after reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area.
According to the NFF report, Nigeria increased their pressing intensity after the break and limited Cameroon’s attacking routes through midfield. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade supplied the cross for the third goal, and Michelle Alozie converted with a header in the 64th minute to secure the 3–1 victory.
The win ensured the Nigeria women’s national football team shared the friendly series with the Cameroon women’s national football team at one victory apiece.
Before the friendlies, Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie addressed expectations surrounding the defending champions. Speaking to Nigeria Info FM, she said the squad was “not under any pressure at all” and remained focused on preparations.
The matches formed part of Nigeria’s build-up to the 14th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which was scheduled to take place in Morocco from 17 March to 3 April 2026, according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Women’s Sport World (WSW) reported earlier that the tournament has now been postponed. CAF confirmed that the tournament will also serve as Africa’s qualification pathway for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the semi-finalists earning automatic qualification.
Nigeria enter the competition as record WAFCON champions, having won the title nine times. CAF’s official draw placed them in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi.
The NFF stated that the technical crew used the Cameroon friendlies to assess squad depth and tactical combinations ahead of the tournament. With one win and one defeat from the Yaoundé tour, Nigeria now turn full attention to their continental campaign as they aim to retain their African crown and secure World Cup qualification.
