The Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon suffered a 3-1 defeat against the Super Falcons of Nigeria on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in a return friendly match that leaves a bitter taste just weeks before the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Inside the military stadium of Ngoa-Ekele in Yaounde, the Cameroonian players never managed to impose their rhythm against a clinical and dominant Nigerian team. This observation was shared by coach Mike Ndoumou, who did not mince his words when analyzing the poor performance of his players.
"They let Nigeria besiege them, play in their camp, and the goals came very quickly," the Cameroonian coach lamented, pointing to his team's lack of aggression and reaction. This passivity cost the Lionesses dearly, quickly overwhelmed by the intensity and pressing of the Super Falcons. Nigeria took revenge after losing the first friendly match 1-0.
Despite a goal scored by the Cameroonians, the match never really changed. Nigeria, more conquering and better organized, played their football to win logically with a two-goal difference. Chiwendu Ihezuo, Rinsola Babajide and Michelle Alozie scored for Nigeria.
However, Mike Ndoumou refuses to give in to panic. Aware that his team is still in the running-in phase, the coach is temporizing and recalls the uncertainty that still hangs over the holding of the continental competition.
"We are still in preparation and as long as the official CAF note has not been released, we continue to work with this competition in mind," he said, trying to put this defeat into perspective in a context of preparation.
This friendly match, although disappointing from an accounting point of view, should nevertheless serve as a lesson to the Indomitable Lionesses. A few weeks before a major deadline, the Cameroonian technical staff now has concrete elements to correct the observed shortcomings and revive a dynamic undermined by this double confrontation against the eternal Nigerian rival. The Women's AFCON will begin on March 17 in Morocco.
