By Boris Esono Nwenfor
BUEA, PAV – The Indomitable Lionesses are back on Africa’s biggest stage and determined to remind the continent why Cameroon has long been regarded as one of women’s football’s traditional powerhouses.
After missing the previous edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Cameroon will return to Morocco in 2026 with renewed ambition, hoping to reclaim their place among Africa’s elite while setting their sights on qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The Lionesses secured a place at the expanded 16-team tournament after benefiting from the Confederation of African Football’s revised qualification format, which awarded additional places based on FIFA rankings.
Cameroon had initially seen their qualification hopes dashed after suffering a 3-1 aggregate defeat to Algeria in the final qualifying round. However, CAF’s expansion of the tournament from 12 to 16 teams provided a second chance, with the Indomitable Lionesses earning one of the additional qualification slots thanks to their strong continental ranking.
The qualification has offered Cameroon an opportunity to rebuild after a disappointing campaign and restore their reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent women’s football nations.
New Era Under Valentine Nguele
Leading the revival is newly appointed head coach Valentine Nguele, who officially took charge of the national team on June 13.
Nguele arrives with an impressive reputation after transforming FC Ebolowa Girls into one of Cameroon’s leading clubs. Her disciplined tactical approach, strong player management and remarkable 16-match unbeaten run with the club earned her national recognition.
Now facing the biggest assignment of her coaching career, Nguele has been entrusted with guiding Cameroon back to continental prominence. Her appointment also signals the federation’s confidence in local coaching expertise as it looks to build a new generation capable of competing with Africa’s best.
Cameroon arrives at the tournament with one of the richest records in Women’s AFCON history. The Lionesses have appeared in the competition 13 times and have reached the final on three occasions, in 2004, 2014 and 2016, but have yet to lift the coveted trophy. They have also secured third-place finishes in 2002, 2012 and 2018, giving them six podium finishes overall.
Only Nigeria and South Africa have recorded more top-three finishes, underlining Cameroon’s status as one of the continent’s most successful women’s national teams. Despite their impressive consistency, the elusive continental title remains the one major achievement missing from the nation’s football history.
Naomi Eto Carries New Generation’s Hopes
Much of Cameroon’s expectations will rest on the shoulders of 21-year-old midfield sensation Naomi Eto. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, currently gaining experience on loan with Italian side Sassuolo, has rapidly become one of Africa’s brightest young talents.
Named Cameroon’s Women’s Player of the Year in 2025, Eto is admired for her creativity, composure, vision and ability to control matches from midfield.
Having first made her mark with FAP in the domestic league before moving to Europe, she is expected to become the heartbeat of the Lionesses’ campaign in Morocco.
Ranked sixth in Africa and 71st in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings as of June 2026, Cameroon know expectations remain high. Beyond chasing a first-ever Women’s AFCON crown, the Lionesses are equally focused on securing one of Africa’s four automatic qualification places for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
For the Indomitable Lionesses, Morocco 2026 offers an opportunity to begin a new chapter, restore national pride and prove once again that Cameroon belongs among the giants of African women’s football.
