LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – As Nigeria searches for a way to restore its name as a football powerhouse following the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, Voice of Naija – VONa Communications takes a look at how the resilience of the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament in Morocco is gradually changing the narrative of women’s football across Africa.
For decades, Nigeria’s Super Falcons dominated the competition, winning 10 titles, while Equatorial Guinea and South Africa managed to break through with two and one respectively.
Cameroon, after years of heartbreak in finals, finally lifted their first-ever WAFCON trophy, defeating Malawi who made their first appearance in the competition 3–0 in Rabat.
The victory was historic not only because it ended Cameroon’s wait but also because of the records broken.
Cameroon became the fourth nation to win the prestigious tournament, joining Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and South Africa.
The Lionesses incredible showing in the final also made them the second Central African country to lift the prestigious trophy.
They also set a defensive record, conceding only two goals throughout the competition while keeping three clean sheets.
Their attacking flair was equally impressive, with Marie Ngah Manga scoring twice in the final to secure her place as Player of the Final.
Individual awards further highlighted Cameroon’s dominance. Monique Ngock was named Player of the Tournament, but Michaely Bihina who won Best Goalkeeper of the tournament award was the stand out player of the competition due to her jaw dropping saves and penalty saving heroics.
Ngah Manga’s superb performance also earned her the Player of the Final accolade.
READ ALSO: Manga’s Brace Powers Cameroon To Historic WAFCON Triumph – VONa Communications
Meanwhile Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga, despite her team’s defeat, finished as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, while Algeria received the Fair Play Award.
The victory also underscored the changing landscape of African women’s football.
Nigeria’s long-standing dominance is now being challenged by emerging powers. South Africa’s 2022 triumph and Cameroon’s 2026 breakthrough show that the competition is no longer a one-team affair.
Malawi’s run to the final, powered by the Chawinga sisters, demonstrated that debutants can disrupt traditional hierarchies and inspire new possibilities.
Algeria also won their first ever medal in the competition’s history after beating hosts Morocco in the third place match.
The expansion of WAFCON to 16 teams has also played a crucial role in reshaping the tournament. More nations now have the chance to compete, raising competitiveness and visibility across the continent.
Cameroon’s success, Malawi’s rise, and Algeria’s spirited campaign reflect the growing depth of talent in African women’s football.
The Central African nation’s triumph might just be the catalyst that will be remembered as a turning point in African Women football. After four final defeats in 1991, 2004, 2014, and 2016, the Indomitable Lionesses finally claimed glory.
Their resilience, combined with standout performances from Ngock, Bihina, and Manga, has inspired a new generation of players across the continent.
The victory also symbolizes the importance of investment, opportunity, and persistence in transforming teams from mere participants into champions.
As Africa prepares for the 2027 Women’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil, Cameroon, Malawi, Algeria, and Morocco will represent the continent.
Their presence highlights Africa’s growing influence on the global stage and these countries have a chance to show the world that women’s football in Africa is no longer defined by Nigeria alone; it is now turning into a competitive, multi-polar landscape where nations like Cameroon, Morocco, and Malawi are ready to challenge for supremacy.
