Cameroon’s U20 Lionesses Humble Niger in World Cup Qualifiers
By Esther E. Otto
The U20 Lionesses of Cameroon continued their ruthless march toward the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup with a thunderous performance on Saturday, September 20, 2025,in Niamey. Coach Hassan Balla’s young squad dismantled Niger with a crushing 9-0 victory in the first leg of their second-round tie, leaving the return leg on September 28 as little more than a formality.
From the first whistle, Cameroon’s dominance was absolute, combining clinical finishing with unshakable defensive control to silence the home crowd and send a powerful message across the continent.
This latest triumph builds on a qualifying journey already marked by emphatic results. The Lionesses swept past Botswana 6-1 on aggregate (2-0 at home, 4-1 away), outclassed Kenya 6-2 on aggregate after a 3-0 opening win in Nairobi, and outlasted Egypt with a 4-2 away win in Alexandria before a 1-1 draw at home sealed a 5-3 aggregate success.
Each round has showcased their growth, resilience, and intent to not just qualify but dominate.
With their eyes firmly set on Poland 2026, Cameroon have established themselves as one of the most formidable forces in African youth football. Today’s commanding win against Niger is more than just another step forward it is a declaration of their ambitions. For Balla and his charges, the mission is clear: roar louder than the rest and carry Cameroon’s flag proudly onto the world stage.
