Nigeria’s Super Falcons will miss the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time after losing 2-1 to South Africa in Casablanca on Thursday.
The defeat came in a CAF playoff between the two quarterfinal losers at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Nigeria had lost 1-0 to Cameroon, while South Africa fell 2-1 to hosts Morocco.
The first half ended goalless, but South Africa took control after the break.
Thembi Kgatlana opened the scoring in the 56th minute after receiving a pass from Hildah Magaia and finishing a counterattack.
Refiloe Jane then doubled Banyana Banyana’s lead in the 77th minute, firing through a crowded penalty area after reacting quickly to a loose ball.
Nigeria struggled to break down the South African defence, with goalkeeper Kaylin Swart making important saves to keep her team ahead.
The Falcons were given a late chance to fight back after a VAR review awarded them a penalty for handball against Jane.
The South African captain received a second yellow card and was sent off.
Christy Ucheibe converted the penalty in added time to make it 2-1, but Nigeria could not find an equaliser before the final whistle.
The result ends Nigeria’s record of qualifying for every Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991.
South Africa advance to the intercontinental playoff tournament, where they will continue their bid to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
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