Cameroon will return to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in 2026 with renewed ambitions after securing their place in the expanded 16-team tournament despite falling short during the final qualifying round.
The Indomitable Lionesses were eliminated by Algeria during qualification but received a lifeline following the decision to increase the number of participating teams from 12 to 16, allowing Cameroon to advance to the continental finals.
The qualification ensures Cameroon will make their 13th appearance at the Women’s AFCON, underlining their status as one of Africa’s most consistent women’s football nations.
The Central African side have reached the final three times, finishing runners-up in 2004, 2014 and 2016.
They have also collected six podium finishes throughout their history in the competition, highlighting their long-standing presence among the continent’s elite teams.
According to rankings published by Cafonline, Cameroon were placed sixth in the CAF rankings and 71st globally by FIFA as of 12 June 2026.
The team will now look to rebuild their reputation under new head coach Valentine Nguele, who was appointed on 13 June and will lead the Lionesses into the tournament.
Nguele arrives at the national team after making a strong impression in domestic football with FC Ebolowa Filles.
During her time at the club, she guided the side to prominence in Cameroon’s Guinness Super League and oversaw an impressive 16-match unbeaten run.
Her appointment represents a new direction for the national team as they seek to return to the upper levels of African women’s football.
Alongside the new coach, Cameroon will also rely on emerging talents, including Naomi Eto, one of the players expected to attract attention during the tournament.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who belongs to Paris Saint-Germain and is currently on loan at Italian club Sassuolo, has already built a growing reputation.
Before moving to Europe, Eto developed her career with Cameroonian club FAP, where she impressed enough to be recognised as Cameroon’s best player in 2025.
Her performances have positioned her as one of the country’s brightest young prospects and a key figure in Cameroon’s plans for the future.
The 2026 Women’s AFCON represents an important opportunity for the Lionesses after missing out on the previous edition of the competition in 2024.
Cameroon are determined to use their return to the continental stage as a chance to re-establish themselves among Africa’s leading women’s football teams.
Beyond competing for honours, the team also have a wider objective: securing a return to the global stage by pushing for direct qualification to the Women’s World Cup.
With a new coach, emerging talents and a proud history in the competition, Cameroon enter the tournament hoping to turn their second chance into a memorable campaign.
The Indomitable Lionesses will be aiming to remind Africa of their pedigree and challenge the continent’s strongest teams when the tournament begins.
