Nigeria’s Super Falcons suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in their quarter-final clash at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday night.
Following the disappointing result, Completesports.com’s ADEBOYE AMOSU assesses the performances of the Super Falcons players in the encounter.
Chiamaka Nnadozie 5/10
She did not cover herself in glory with her role in Cameroon’s goal, capping what has been a disappointing tournament for the Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper.
Shukurat Oladipo 6/10
The AS Roma defender pushed hard to help her side find a way back into the game, but her efforts ultimately proved insufficient as she ended up on the losing side.
Osinachi Ohale 6/10
Ohale put in a solid defensive display, making a number of crucial interventions to halt the Cameroonians whenever they threatened to break forward.
Oluwatosin Demehin 5/10
Alongside Ohale, she played a key role in keeping the Cameroon forwards at bay, making several important interventions to nullify their attacking threat.
Michelle Alozie 7/10
The full-back was one of the Super Falcons’ standout performers, delivering an impressive display on the day.
Deborah Abiodun 7/10
She worked tirelessly throughout the contest, but her efforts were ultimately not enough to prevent her side from suffering defeat.
Read Also:WAFCON 2026: Cameroon End Super Falcons Reign After Hard-fought 1-0 Quarterfinal Win
Christy Ucheibe 6/10
Ucheibe was not her best in the game. She was replaced by Toni Payne in the 62nd minute.
Jennifer Echegini 6/10
The midfielder was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet despite a lively display. She was replaced by Asisat Oshoala late in the game.
Rasheedat Ajibade 6/10
Ajibade delivered a strong performance in the first half but struggled to maintain the same level of influence after the break.
Rinsola Babajide 3/10
The AS Roma winger had a disappointing outing, and was replaced by Uchenna Kanu in the 38th minute.
Gift Monday 4/10
The striker endured a disappointing outing and was replaced by Esther Okoronkwo two minutes after the hour mark.
Substitutes
Uchenna Kanu 6/10
Kanu was unlucky not to get a goal in the game. A spirited display from the striker.
Esther Okoronkwo 3/10
She came on for the ineffective Gift Monday but squandered a glorious opportunity to draw Nigeria level late in the game.
Toni Payne 3/10
The Inter Milan star struggled to make an impact following her introduction and contributed little to the team’s attacking play.
11 Comments
For those blaming our able Women’s Coach Justin Madugu for the failings of Nnadozi and SF players in the narrow defeat to Cameroon yesterday, here is ESPN reporters verdict:
“Despite Nigeria’s dominance, it was Cameroon who went in front through a combination of carelessness, fortune and another goalkeeping error from Nnadozie. Echegini needlessly gave a freekick away some 30 yards from goal.”
Even inspite of that early one goal concession, SF could have easily scored upto 5 goals as the Cameroonians never troubled Nnadozie in our goal for the rest of 60 minutes of play, only defending with a determined and inspired goalkeeper, Michael Bihani, who not surprisingly won the player of the match even before the close of first half and continued into the 2nd half like a “spirit possessed demon” sent to do maximum damaged on Sunday, 9th August.
Super Falcons played their best game throughout the tournament yesterday dominating the Cameroonian lionesses in every aspect of the game except the goalkeeping dept. It was just a bad day in the office for SF and their manager yesterday, and there will always be such type of days, when you can’t win, no matter what you do, once in a while.
I would still give coach Madugu a score of 7/10 for his coaching and tactical changes through the match. My only reservation been the too early replacement of Babajide, who also did not cover herself with her usual glory in that 1st half.
The African and Intercontinental playoffs route to qualification is too complex and complicated but I am hopeful Super Falcon, with their quality and a bit of luck, can still qualify for the World Cup under Coach Madugu’s tutelage.
I don’t not really care about SF not defending their title, as winning the WAFCON trophy is becoming too monotonous after 10 of such in their kitty. Na only una waka come?
“Despite Nigeria’s dominance, it was Cameroon who went in front through a combination of carelessness, fortune and another goalkeeping error from Nnadozie. Echegini needlessly gave a freekick away some 30 yards from goal.”
That’s the assessment of ESPN football columnist of the cheap goal Nnadozie conceded through poor positinoning and bad goalkeeping, unlike the Cameroonian keeper, Michaely Bihani who had an inspired and fantastic day thwarting everything SF of Nigeria could throw at Cameroon.
Double sided mouth, negativity and Coach Madugu’s bitter and frustrated haters can see that the gaffer is unblemished in the narrow defeat to Cameroon lionesses yesterday
When any football club don’t do well, who is caned? The players? Someone supervised falcons worst ever wafcon finish since 1991 (35 years) and we should love up on him.
Make we salute mediocrity abi.
If the much maligned infantino and FIFA hadn’t increased world cup spots from 24 to 32 this time, even ESPN verdict would be meaningless, even if it still is.
Cameroon didn’t qualify initially for WAFCON until expanded.
No debutants had ever beaten falcons before until now
And we should applaud the coach that had all the time in the world to pick at least 2 players in every position before the WAFCON and still have some to spare.
No, he chose to stick to “the older the better” and canned his simple mission in 2026.
Super Eagles didn’t have stable coaches (7 coaches in 5 years) but “WAFCON champion” abi na balon dor nominee drove falcons aground.
In spite of “stability”.
Morocco awaits most likely in the 3rd of 5 rounds of 2028 olympics qualifiers (assuming we even beat comoros in round 2 home/away) since we dey lose to “anyhow” teams now) and I want to see how stats can help him.
Oh, he won’t even be there. Lol
My problem with your likes in this forum is that your hatred and bitterness towards indigenous Nigerian coaches and Nigerian football is becoming “Pandemic.” You ring pessimism and negativity in your thoughts and suffer from acute inferiority complex believing “oyibo or white coaches,” are better than our Nigerian and indigenous African coaches, yet the data says otherwise in terms of performance and achievements.
You lots have been in severe pain since Ghernet Rohr was rightly shown the exit door out with his negative football afflicting Nigerian Super Eagles play.
Your pain became more severe when Waldrum was kicked out after even failing to win a single Bronze medal, never mind the Wafcon trophy in over 4 years as Super Falcons Coach. Just tell me what the over-paid, but under-achieved American Waldrum performed better than all the indigenous Nigerian Super Falcon Coaches, majority of which were not even allowed to stay for upto 2 years on the perch, like Waldrum was given with all the support the inferiority complex afflicted NFF gave him that they never provide for our indigenous coaches?
Ok, here: Justin Madugu won the WAFCON, which Nigeria last won its 9th version in 2018 within one year of been on the SF head coach perch. Yep huge achievement beating all the White Coaches, including a Spanish world cup winner, of Morocco women right in his own backyard in Rabat in the final. Also thumped Swiss white coach” and her ward of Zambian Copper Queens 5-0, very mercilessly in last years Qtr final. May I remind you pessimists that Madugu beat even improved Zambian team under Nora Häuptle’s tutelage 1-0, despite playing her wards (with full 11 players) with only 10 women for most parts of the encounter only about a week ago- that’s double whammy for Nora Häuptle in just a year interval.
Those of you calling for Madugu’s head just because he lost a single knock out match makes reasonable people wonder what the Zambian FA would have done to Nora Häuptle since last year’s thumping (5-0) by coach Madugu and his wards; or even Ghana with “white coach” Swedish head and technical crew members!
I have not said Madugu should not be criticised for his shortcomings, if any, but I say such criticism should be constructive. Give the man his flowers when he achieves greatness and then you are free to flog him when he falls from his high horse. All you lots are doing is bitterness, pessimism and negativity- and that’s not good for your mental wellness- please!
All these overpaid, low level white coaches mercenaries straddling the African continent for its gravy cannot, I repeat, cannot and will never achieve better than our local African coaches- who understand better our local culture, nuances and our people.
Justin Madugu is still the best value for money Nigerian FA can buy worldwide and tell NFF to give him decent support like they sheepishly give their so-called “White” over-priced Coaches.
@Tony, let me ask you a question, and I hope you honestly answer me. Can you name Madugu’s preferred first starting 11? Everyone can almost predict the starters with Chelle’s SE when all the legs are available; can you say the same of SF? Especially the attacking pivot.
Today it’s Ihezuo and Esther; tomorrow it’s Asisat and Ijamilusi; the next match is Monday and Kanu; at another time it is Kanu and Asisat. It seems most fans know his best 11 more than he does.
Then let’s talk about tactical outlay. What formation did he start with? Doe she change formation mid-game, especially when desperately chasing a last win or draw?
It was so painful watching the players trying the same method with a goalkeeper that kept keeping the ball out. Why keep playing the ball close to her? Only a one-two in the 18 yard would have scored. Teams switch tactics and play cos the coach observed the problem and communicated it, but they often do the same thing for 90 minutes.
Yesterday’s match needed an experienced Asisat paired with a sharp and intelligent Kanu upfront. Asisat would have tried a different approach simply from experience; then throw Monday in towards the end to add bite and energy.
I just pray Gusau is not returned as NFF chairman next month; in which case some of the coaches would most likely be changed.
My problem with your likes in this forum is that your hatred and bitterness towards indigenous Nigerian coaches and Nigerian football is becoming “Pandemic.” You ring pessimism and negativity in your thoughts and suffer from acute inferiority complex believing “oyibo or white coaches,” are better than our Nigerian and indigenous African coaches, yet the data says otherwise in terms of performance and achievements.
You lots have been in severe pain since Ghernet Rohr was rightly shown the exit door out with his negative football afflicting Nigerian Super Eagles play.
Your pain became more severe when Waldrum was kicked out after even failing to win a single Bronze medal, never mind the Wafcon trophy in over 4 years as Super Falcons Coach. Just tell me what the over-paid, but under-achieved American Waldrum performed better than all the indigenous Nigerian Super Falcon Coaches, majority of which were not even allowed to stay for upto 2 years on the perch, like Waldrum was given with all the support the inferiority complex afflicted NFF gave him that they never provide for our indigenous coaches?
Ok, here: Justin Madugu won the WAFCON, which Nigeria last won its 9th version in 2018 within one year of been on the SF head coach perch. Yep huge achievement beating all the White Coaches, including a Spanish world cup winner, of Morocco women right in his own backyard in Rabat in the final. Also thumped Swiss white coach” and her ward of Zambian Copper Queens 5-0, very mercilessly in last years Qtr final. May I remind you pessimists that Madugu beat even improved Zambian team under Nora Häuptle’s tutelage 1-0, despite playing her wards (with full 11 players) with only 10 women for most parts of the encounter only about a week ago- that’s double whammy for Nora Häuptle in just a year interval.
Those of you calling for Madugu’s head just because he lost a single knock out match makes reasonable people wonder what the Zambian FA would have done to Nora Häuptle since last year’s thumping (5-0) by coach Madugu and his wards; or even Ghana with “white coach” Swedish head and technical crew members!
I have not said Madugu should not be criticised for his shortcomings, if any, but I say such criticism should be constructive. Give the man his flowers when he achieves greatness and then you are free to flog him when he falls from his high horse. All you lots are doing is bitterness, pessimism and negativity- and that’s not good for your mental wellness- please!
All these overpaid, low level white coaches mercenaries straddling the African continent for its gravy cannot, I repeat, cannot and will never achieve better than our local African coaches- who understand better our local culture, nuances and our people.
Justin Madugu is still the best value for money Nigerian FA can buy worldwide and tell NFF to give him decent support like they sheepishly give their so-called “White” over-priced Coaches.
I cannot answer the question you asked me about Coach Madugu’s starting 11, and it is not a good attribute if a Coach, like you said of Super Eagles Chelle, keeps a constant starting 11 and particularly the front 3. That makes your team very predictable and opposition team can map out schemes and tactics to nullify your team. Perhaps, that was why Dr Congo, and later at Afcon 2025, Morocco clipped the SE wings and rendered Osimhen and co impotent in the semi finals match in Rabat early this year.
A coach should always device “Surprises,” and keep opposition teams coaches guessing who will play and what tactics to use to limit opposition strength and explore their weakness. Therefore if Coach Madugu is that flexible and unpredictable in SF players selection it is a good attribute, never a disadvantage.
Again @Kel you are not the one seeing these players in camp in their preparations, training, and meetings before each March. Some may be nursing injuries or lack match fitness at a particular time, which only the gaffer will know better, so this will determine who plays full 90 minutes, or replacement for fewer minutes due to match fitness, or even outright benching.
You lots should cut Madugu some slack. This guy was all- African “Conquering” only a year ago- that his wards let him down once or twice in 2 years shouldn’t make him a bad Coach suddenly! You lots are getting to greedy and negative, for my liking. WAFCON is not meant for Nigeria’s keep in perpetuity. African FA, particularly the North and Southern Africa are investing in their women football outpacing the what the rudderless, incompetent and compromised NFF is doing or not doing at the moment.
It is clear that the NFF failed to provide adequate funding and logistics to aid the SF preparations for the ongoing WAFCON- such ineptitude and lack of logistics support to Madugu, they will not dare a “white coach.” Again I repeat Madugu is very good value for money- blame the NFF for not giving adequate support to him and the SF in this Wafcon tournament.
Cameroon Crush Nigeria’s Campaign (1:0) At Wafcon With Wafer-thin Win: Retrospective Reflection
First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the Super Falcons players and the coaching team for, at the very least, reaching the knockout stages of this Wafcon (that provides faint hopes of reaching the world cup through a painful back door) and showing Cameroon in the quarter finals that they would have to sweat tears and blood and rely on superhuman goalkeeping acumen to beat Nigeria.
Even in defeat, I thought the Super Falcons played very well against Cameroon: we matched their physicality: we dominated midfield; we created blatant scoring chances; and we restricted them to speculative shots at goal.
However, even as a super fan of Justine Madugu that I am, I have to say that his team lost discipline, structure and bite from the 62nd minute after he elected to introduce Toni Payne for Christie Ucheibe.
To be honest, I see what he was trying to do which is: to shift emphasis. However, that “shifting of emphasis” backfired spectacularly and, in my humble opinion, contributed to losing us the match.
You see, Madugu started the match with a forward-facing diamond midfield: Ucheibe and Abiodun sat behind Echegini (as the sole centre attacking midfield).
And it worked! My Lord, it worked! As early as 5 minutes, Echegini already had a bombastic effort at goal from the central position Madugu placed her. If it were Nnadozie in goal for Cameroon, that shot would have scored. In fact, Echegini had a similar effort from a similar position at goal but a similar save from the goalkeeper of the tournament kept Nigeria out – that Cameroon goalkeeper was an absolute joy to watch (I think I am in love).
Behind Echegini, Abiodun and Ucheibe were robustly breaking up play, retrieving and recycling possession, creating overload, shadow marking, and instigating attack with wonderful passes and (most importantly) helping keep Cameroon at bay.
However, to Madugu’s credit, we needed to score to equalise. So, he chose to take out the excellent Ucheibe for Payne thereby turning his midfield into a backward-facing diamond now with only Abiodun at the base with Echegini and now Payne in front of her.
Again, I see what Madugu was trying to do: have more bodies in attacking areas for Nigeria.
However, that “defensive sacrifice” in taking out Ucheibe lost Nigeria the midfield and allowed Cameroon a route into our attack as Abiodun was now overloaded, overworked, overran as the sole defensive midfielder.
At this point, around 68 minutes, this blanket of despair enveloped me and the feeling of foreboding overwhelmed me!
That tactical switch, though sensible on paper, proved disastrous on grass. We lost the midfield and the central attacking position from which Echegini peppered the new love of my life (the Cameroon goalkeeper) was now fallow, unoccupied, unexploited!
Fans should be careful what they wish for. Everyone had been berating Madugu for always benching Gift Monday. Now, bowing to pressure, he started this same Monday who proved, on the night, to be as effective as a cardboard box that has been left out in the rain at Oshodi Bus Terminal – bleeding useless! I wish Oshoala, with her pace, had started.
Even Payne couldn’t add steel to the midfield when she was introduced – another player Madugu had been dragged in the mud about.
Oh well, congratulations Cameroon, I guess! The big guns are out: South Africa, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Nigeria. So we will have a new winner of the Wafcon in the history of the tournament. Which, let’s face it, isn’t all together a bad thing for the development of women’s football in Africa, if you want to see it from a continental perspective.
Yep, I agree with all your submission above @Deo, as always. The monopoly of African Women football Championship by the Super Falcons of Nigeria was becoming very boring after the 10th trophy with no 2nd placed team anywhere near- and the likes of old horse Cameroon ladies and new chip of the block performer, Morroco ladies not owning a single title yet.
The gulf in performance and achievement by our Super Falcons with other national Women teams is Light years apart and I sincerely wished another country takes this 2026 version, even from the commencement of the tournament. I wanted SF to qualify for the 2027 WWC in Brazil to show the world what SF of Nigeria are capable of as competition amongst African women is becoming too boring and one sided in favour of SF. Abi na only dem waka come for Africa?
The playoffs is a long, complicated and turtious journey, but with a bit of luck and the talent in the squad if we’ll harnessed, I am positive that the Super Falcons can sail through the complex journey to Brazil 2027- but first they must navigate the tricky South African Bayana Bayana on Thursday for a head start from the African play-off- before thinking of the Inter confederation and Intercontinental play offs later on the difficult journey.
No matter how bad a leader is, the leader will still have supporters. Even if the devil himself coaches Nigeria there’ll still be people supporting him. That’s why we never move forward. How can someone be absolving the coach of blame when from last competition it was clear that the man was clueless. Yesterday i kept asking myself, isn’t this game a knockout game? why do we still have 4 defenders when Cameroon hardly troubled us?
Well why am I even surprised? Even Hitler sef had supporters.
Blame goes to NFF first including Eguavoen, then Coach.
A very sad night of football for all Nigerian football lovers
U20 no show
Super falcons world cup hope
Finger crossed