Super Falcons’ chance to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil ended on Thursday. They lost 2-1 to South Africa in the Confederation of African Football play-off match at the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco.
The Falcons missed the automatic World Cup spot after losing to Cameroon in the quarter-finals on Sunday. This loss also marked the end of Nigeria’s streak of reaching at least the semi-finals in every WAFCON edition. It gave the 10-time African champions their worst finish in the competition.
Nigeria had a chance to revive their hopes of playing in every FIFA Women’s World Cup. But they could not get past South Africa. The first half ended without any goals.
In the 56th minute, Thembi Kgatlana scored the first goal. Refiloe Jane then doubled South Africa’s lead in the 77th minute. Nigeria tried to fight back late in the match. A VAR review led to a penalty for the Falcons and Jane was sent off.
Christy Ucheibe scored from the penalty spot in added time. This gave Nigeria some hope, but they could not get an equaliser. Banyana Banyana held on to their victory.
With this defeat, Nigeria will miss the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. South Africa, on the other hand, will move on to the intercontinental play-off tournament in November and December. Three teams from this tournament will earn the last African spots for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
This year’s tournament will be one Nigeria wants to forget quickly. They arrived in Morocco after winning their 10th title last year. However, Justine Madugu’s team had a rough start this time. They lost 3-2 to WAFCON newcomers Malawi on July 28.
The Falcons managed to bounce back, winning 1-0 against Zambia and 3-0 against Egypt. They reached the quarter-finals through a complicated series of results. But their title defence ended with a 1-0 loss to Cameroon.
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