FIFA Women World Cup 2023: Nigeria And Cameroon Renew Rivalry In A Battle To Secure Slot

The Super Falcons of Nigeria and the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon will renew their long-term rivalry on Thursday July 14 in an AWCON 2022 quarterfinal clash which also serves as a World Cup qualifier to determine who secures one of the four berths for Africa. Nigeria have been to all the editions of the FIFA Women World Cups since its inception in 1991, and will be looking forward to making their 9th appearance if they edge Cameroon. On the other hand, Cameroon, who made their debut in the 2015 edition, will be hoping to make their third appearance if they win Nigeria in the quarterfinal clash. Both sides have met on nine occasions, with the Nigerian side winning four times, while Cameroon had three and two draws, which both came in a CAF Women’s championship. Their last meeting was in November 2018 during a semifinal clash at the WAFCON in Accra, which ended in a goalless draw. But it was Nigeria who eventually progressed after penalties with a 4-2 score line to reach the finals. No doubt, the Super Falcons have been a major source of pain for the Indomitable Lionesses. They defeated the Lionesses in their first ever international, which took place in Lagos on June 15, 1991, by 2-0, and also handed them their first ever biggest defeat of 6-0 in Kaduna on October 27, 1998, before France replicated the same score line 10 years later during a FIFA Women's World Cup clash in 2018 against the Lionesses. Nigeria, who finished second in their group behind South Africa, are currently Africa’s best both in FIFA and continental rankings. They are arguably the most successful team on the continent and understand the importance of qualifying for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. However, the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon, who also finished second in her group, have also made a statement in this tournament. They have been unbeatable so far with one win and two draws in their group matches to reach the quarterfinal stage. The die is cast as the two teams go into an epical clash that will determine who will triumph and pick one of the available slots for the Australia/New Zealand 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup ticket.