Nigeria’s Super Falcons suffered a painful 1–0 defeat to the Indomitable Lionesses in a pre-WAFCON 2026 international friendly decided deep into stoppage time on Saturday night in Yaoundé.
The encounter, played at the Stade Militaire de Yaoundé, looked destined to end goalless until Yvana Mbomezomo struck at the death, firing home a dramatic 90th-minute winner to stun the ten-time African champions.
The friendly formed part of preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, with both sides using the fixture to fine-tune tactics and assess squad depth.
Super Falcons’ 11-Match Unbeaten Streak Snapped
Mbomezomo’s stunning volley not only handed Cameroon victory but also ended Nigeria’s 11-match unbeaten streak, their first loss since a 2–1 friendly defeat to France in November 2024.
It was also Nigeria’s first defeat to Cameroon in their last eight meetings, underlining the significance of the result.
A deep delivery from the flank was cut back into the box, where Mbomezomo arrived unmarked to plant a first-time effort into the top corner, leaving debutant goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor with no chance.
What Happened to Madugu’s Super Falcons?
Head coach Justine Madugu used the match to assess new options, handing a full international debut to England-based goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor, who impressed with several assured saves, including a point-blank stop after early Nigerian defensive sloppiness gifted Cameroon a clear chance.
Erhabor was shielded by a back line of
- Glory Ogbonna,
- Oluwatosin Demehin,
- Sikiratu Isah and
- Shukurat Oladipo,
with captain Rasheedat Ajibade leading a midfield that included
- Christy Ucheibe,
- Jennifer Echegini and
- returning playmaker Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene.
Rinsola Babajide and Gift Monday spearheaded the attack, while Precious Christopher made her senior debut as a second-half substitute.
Nigeria grew into the contest and enjoyed long spells of possession, pinning Cameroon back and creating promising openings.
However, poor decision-making and blunt finishing ensured their dominance went unrewarded.
Was Asisat Oshoala’s Absence Felt?
Yes, statistically. Without their talismanic striker, Asisat Oshoala, Nigeria lacked a ruthless presence in the final third.
The Super Falcons controlled territory and tempo but struggled to convert pressure into clear-cut chances, precisely the moments where Oshoala’s movement, composure and finishing instincts have historically made the difference..
Despite the defeat, Erhabor’s assured debut and the overall control displayed by Nigeria offered positives for Madugu as he continues shaping his squad.
Established stars such as
- Chiamaka Nnadozie,
- Esther Okoronkwo and
- Chinwendu Ihezuo
are expected to play key roles as preparations intensify.
Nigeria, drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi, will have an immediate chance at redemption when both teams meet again in the second friendly on March 3 at the same venue.
