2026 Women’s AFCON Preparation: Lionesses Dip

The Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon reignited dreams across the nation when they edged out the African champions, Nigeria's Super Falcons (1-0), in the opening leg of the friendlies ahead of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). It was a moment of pure joy for Cameroonian football fans, shattering an 11-year wait of failing to topple their age-old rivals. The narrow victory on February 28, 2026 at Yaounde Military Stadium signalled genuine promise from a squad at the heart of reconstruction. Yet, that joy was short-lived. Yesterday March 3, 2026, the Super Falcons got their revenge, dismantling Cameroon 3-1 in the second leg fixture at the same Yaounde Military Stadium. The aggregate 3-2 score in favour of the African champions, was a clear indication that with much more work, the courageous Lionesses could do better. Crucially, these friendly matches were less about the results; they were tactical laboratories designed to expose vulnerabilities. The Super Falcons were thus the perfect sparring partners to expose these vulnerabilities in the Lionesses side. A predominantly home-based Cameroonian squad pitted against Nigeria's star-studded side boasting super stars Like Rasheedat Ajibade and Africa’s top goalkeeper, Nnadozie Chiamaka, amongst others. Facing such caliber was a deliberate test, ensuring every flaw in the Lionesses' game pops up. During yesterday’s match, the Lionesses struck first through Kiki Meva, igniting joy among the Cameroonian fans. But instead of closing the lines and conserving the 1-0 lead, the Lionesses opened up spaces that their exper...