Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been eliminated from the race for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after suffering a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in a crucial play-off in Casablanca, Morocco, on Thursday night.
The defeat means Nigeria will miss the Women’s World Cup for the first time since the tournament began in 1991, ending the country’s remarkable record of qualifying for every edition of the competition.
The match was goalless at half-time before South Africa took the lead in the 56th minute through Thembi Kgatlana.
Banyana Banyana doubled their advantage in the 77th minute when captain Refiloe Jane scored to make it 2-0.
Nigeria were handed a late lifeline after a VAR review awarded a penalty for a handball, with Jane also sent off. Christy Ucheibe converted the spot-kick in stoppage time to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
Despite intense pressure from the Super Falcons in the closing minutes, South Africa held on to secure the victory and advance to the intercontinental play-off stage for a chance to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
For Nigeria, however, the result brings an end to their hopes of appearing at the tournament and marks a major setback for the defending African champions.
