Late Yvana strike hands Super Falcons narrow friendly defeat to Cameroon in Yaounde
Nine-time African champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons, suffered a 1–0 defeat to Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses after a heartbreaking 90th-minute winner in a pre-Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) friendly on Saturday.
Mbomezomo Yvana’s late strike at the Military Stadium, Yaoundé, decided the contest and sealed victory for the hosts in the first of a two-match friendly series between both sides. It marked Nigeria’s first defeat in regulation time against an African opponent since their third-place playoff loss to Zambia at the 2022 WAFCON.
Head coach Justin Madugu used the encounter to test new options, handing a Super Falcons debut to goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor, while Glory Ogbonna returned to the heart of defence. Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene earned her first start for Nigeria in several years, partnering Jennifer Echegini in midfield, as Gift Monday led the attack alongside captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Rinsola Babajide.
The opening half was evenly matched, with both teams creating chances but lacking the final touch. Nigeria passed up promising opportunities to go ahead, while debutant Erhabor stood tall to deny Cameroon. At the opposite end, Cameroonian goalkeeper Ange Bawou produced a series of key interventions to keep the Super Falcons at bay, ensuring the teams went into the break goalless.
Madugu rang the changes after the interval, introducing Precious Christopher for her debut and throwing on Folashade Ijamilusi to add pace and width. The substitutions brought renewed urgency to Nigeria’s play, but clear-cut chances remained scarce as both defences held firm.
With the game seemingly headed for a draw, Cameroon struck at the death. Mbomezomo Yvana found the decisive moment deep into stoppage time to send the home fans into celebration, with Cameroonian Football Federation president Samuel Eto’o watching from the stands.
Despite the loss, the encounter provides valuable lessons for Madugu and his technical crew as preparations intensify for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Falcons will have an immediate opportunity to respond when both sides meet again in the return leg on Thursday, 3 March 2026.
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