Former Nigeria international Desire Oparanozie has described the Super Falcons defeat to Cameroon in the WAFCON 2026 quarterfinal as heartbreaking.

A thunderous 20th-minute free kick from defender Maeva Nyadjou was the difference between the two sides, with the Super Falcons dominating the chances and possession throughout but failing to find a way back into the game.

The win means a World Cup qualification ticket for Cameroon, who will face Morocco in Wednesday’s semifinal in Rabat.

As for Nigeria they will take on South Africa in one of Wednesday’s ‘play-ins’ to reach the inter-confederation playoffs for next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

“It’s a disappointing outcome, nobody saw this coming,” Oparanozie said in a video posted on X handle of Eagles Tracker.

Also Read: WAFCON 2026: How Super Falcons Rated In Defeat To Cameroon

“honestly didn’t think we were to fall short, to be honest I wasn’t looking at us winning the trophy but the ticket to the World Cup and I don’t know our chances of going for the intercontinental playoffs, what are the chances.

“So I’m heartbroken right now, if we don’t make it to the World Cup this would be the first time the Super Falcons would not be at the women’s World Cup.”

It was the Super Falcons second shock defeat at this year’s tournament, after suffering a 3-2 loss to debutants Malawi in their opening group game.

Meanwhile, Malawi booked their place in the semifinal and also the World Cup, thanks to 2-1 comeback win against Ghana’s Black Queens on Sunday.

By James Agberebi

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