Cameroon head coach Valentine Nguele has outlined her team’s approach ahead of the highly anticipated quarter-final clash against Nigeria’s Super Falcons at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The Indomitable Lionesses are set to face Nigeria in a crucial knockout-stage encounter, with both teams aiming to secure a place in the semi-finals.
Speaking ahead of the match, Nguele said Cameroon would focus on playing its usual style of football rather than allowing the occasion or Nigeria’s reputation to create unnecessary pressure.
Cameroon advanced to the quarter-finals after finishing top of Group D, while Nigeria progressed as runners-up in Group C.
Nguele acknowledged Nigeria’s impressive record in the competition and described the Super Falcons as the favourites going into the encounter.
She noted that Nigeria’s history in the tournament, including its 10 WAFCON titles, gives the Super Falcons significant experience at this stage of the competition.
However, the Cameroon coach said her players would approach the game with confidence and enjoy the occasion.
“We have a great match upon us. A big quarter-final,” Nguele said, according to CAF.
“They are the favourites. They have won the title 10 times. We need to accept that.”
Nguele added that Cameroon would not abandon its footballing identity because of the quality or reputation of its opponents.
“Against Nigeria, we shall play our natural style of football. We need to enjoy the match,” she said.
“We shall not put pressure on ourselves. We shall go out there and have fun.”
The encounter is expected to be a closely contested West and Central African battle, with both teams seeking to continue their campaign for the WAFCON title.
For Nigeria, the match presents an opportunity to move one step closer to another continental triumph, while Cameroon will be hoping to cause an upset by eliminating one of the tournament’s most successful teams.