Cameroon coach Valentine Nguele says the Indomitable Lionesses will approach their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal against Nigeria without fear, despite admitting the Super Falcons are favourites.
Nigeria and Cameroon meet Sunday in Casablanca for a place in the semifinals of the 2026 WAFCON and automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Nguele acknowledged Nigeria’s pedigree, but said Cameroon would focus on the present rather than the teams’ history.
“We have a great match upon us.
"A big quarterfinal.
"It is an important match for us and we are ready,” Nguele said.
“We must admit that Nigeria is a great football team.
"They are the favourites.
"They have won the title 10 times.
"We need to accept that.”
However, the coach said her team would not allow Nigeria’s record to intimidate them.
“We shall play our natural style of football.
"We need to enjoy the match.
"We shall not put pressure on ourselves.
"We shall go out there have fun,” she said.
Cameroon reached the quarterfinals unbeaten after topping Group D with seven points from three matches.
They beat Mali and Ghana before drawing 1-1 with debutants Cape Verde.
The Indomitable Lionesses have also conceded only two goals in the tournament, while scoring four.
The clash will be the 14th meeting between Nigeria and Cameroon at the WAFCON.
Nigeria have dominated the rivalry, winning nine matches in regulation time and two on penalties, while Cameroon have one victory and there has been one draw.
Cameroon midfielder Naomi Eto also warned Nigeria against taking anything for granted.
“Football always has surprises in store,” Eto said.
“Nigeria has great qualities, but a match is played on the pitch.
"One thing is certain, we will give everything on the pitch.”
Eto said Cameroon had prepared carefully for the encounter and would rely on their collective strength.
“We will not change the way we play.
"We will continue our work, apply the technical staff’s plan and seek to correct the few shortcomings that we have identified,” she said.
Nigeria coach Justin Madugu, meanwhile, said the Super Falcons respected Cameroon and would not be carried away by previous results against their rivals.
“We know each other.
"Games between these two countries always bring out the best in us,” Madugu said.
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