For the first time in FIFA Women’s World Cup history, Nigeria’s Super Falcons will not feature at next year’s tournament in Brazil.
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after beating the Super Falcons 2–1 in their playoff in Casablanca on Thursday night.
Both teams had been eliminated in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, with South Africa losing to Morocco and Nigeria falling 1–0 to Cameroon.
Nigeria started brightly, using the pace of Asisat Oshoala and Francisca Ordega on the counter, and nearly scored before half-time when Michelle Alozie missed narrowly.
South Africa struck first in the 56th minute through Thembi Kgatlana, then doubled their lead in the 77th after Refiloe Jane reacted to a rebound.
Nigeria pulled one back in the 89th minute when Christy Ucheibe converted a penalty after Jane was sent off for a handball, but they could not find an equaliser in stoppage time.
The result ends Nigeria’s run of appearances at every Women’s World Cup since 1991.
