•⁠ ⁠World Cup spot depends on hope

Super Falcons’ bid to retain the African Women’s Cup of Nations title came to an end yesterday as predicted by many when the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon beat them 0-1 in the quarterfinals.

Nigeria’s campaign in the championship has not been as expected with the Super Falcons struggling from the very beginning until Cameroon put a stop to their misery at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco yesterday.

Nigeria started with a 2-3 loss to Malawai in their opening game, managed a 1=- defeat of Zambia in the second game before beating hapless Egypt 6-2 in their last group game to qualify for the quarterfinals.

But against a well-drilled Cameroonian side yesterday, the Super Falcons came unstuck to ensure that the championship will get a new queen at the end of the competition.

Cameroon struck the decisive blow in the 19th minute through 20-year-old Myriam Wamen. The youngstar unleashed a thunderous effort from distance that flew into the top corner beyond the outstretched Chiamaka Nnadozie, leaving the Nigerian goalkeeper with no chance.

Nigeria looked for an immediate response a minute later when Rasheedat Ajibade delivered a dangerous cross into the area, but Gift Monday was unable to make a clean connection after the initial effort had been comfortably dealt with.

The Super Falcons continued to push forward and came close again in the 28th minute. Morinsola Babajide’s delivery found Jennifer Echegini in a promising position, but her effort was well saved as Cameroon protected their slender advantage.

Despite Nigeria enjoying spells of possession and creating opportunities, Cameroon remained organised at the back and carried their 1-0 lead into the half-time break.

Nigeria emerged for the second half with even more urgency and intent in search of an equaliser. However, they found Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Binha in inspired form.

The shot-stopper produced one of the saves of the tournament in the 70th minute, stretching out a strong hand to deny Ochenna Kanu’s powerful header and preserve her side’s lead.

Cameroon nearly doubled their advantage six minutes from time when Achta Njoya’s well-struck free-kick from a tight angle forced Nnadozie into a sharp save, with the Nigerian goalkeeper tipping the effort over the crossbar.

The defending champions threw everything forward in the closing stages and almost forced extra time through substitute Ijeoma Okoronkwo. After using her pace to beat her marker, the forward sent a left-footed effort that drifted agonisingly wide of the post.

Cameroon held firm through the final minutes to seal a memorable victory, eliminating the reigning champions and ensuring that a new African champion will be crowned at the end of the championship.

Only three teams have win the competition ion its history with none of the former champions, Nigeria, South Africa and Equatorial Guinea in contention for the gold medal this term.