With a ticket to next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup at stake, defending champions Nigeria will face neighbours Cameroon in a potentially explosive WAFCON quarter-final in Casablanca on Sunday.
The Super Falcons meet the Indomitable Lionesses at this stage four years after edging them 1-0 to secure qualification for the 2023 World Cup, thanks to Rasheedat Ajibade’s decisive header.
The two sides have a long WAFCON history, dating back to 1998 when Nigeria won 6-0 in Kaduna. They also met in the 2014 and 2016 finals, with Nigeria winning both encounters.
Earlier this year, Cameroon won 1-0 in Yaounde before Nigeria responded with a 3-1 victory, with Chinwendu Ihezuo, Rinsola Babajide and Michelle Alozie scoring. All three are in the current squad.
Last year, Nigeria also beat Cameroon 2-0 in a friendly in Abeokuta.
Coach Justin Madugu could stick with much of the side that beat Egypt 6-2, with Asisat Oshoala pushing for a start after strong performances, including goals against Zambia and Egypt. Tosin Demehin and Jennifer Echegini return from suspension.
“Our objective remains picking the World Cup ticket and then going ahead to retain the trophy. Nothing has changed,” Madugu said.
The match kicks off at 6pm at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
