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Nigeria’s Super Falcons have failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after suffering a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in the qualifying play-off in Casablanca, Morocco.
The defeat means Nigeria will miss the Women’s World Cup for the first time since the tournament was inaugurated in 1991.
The Super Falcons needed a victory over the Banyana Banyana to advance to the intercontinental play-offs and remain in contention for one of the remaining World Cup places.
However, South Africa took control of the decisive encounter after a goalless first half, scoring twice in the second half to put Nigeria under severe pressure.
South Africa opened the scoring in the 56th minute before extending their advantage in the 77th minute to take a 2-0 lead.
Nigeria responded late in the game when captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty in the 93rd minute, giving the Falcons a lifeline.
The penalty was awarded after a South African player was sent off for handling the ball, leaving Banyana Banyana with 10 players.
Despite Nigeria’s late pressure, the Falcons could not find the equaliser before the final whistle, with South Africa holding on for a 2-1 victory.
The result brings an end to Nigeria’s remarkable record of appearing at every edition of the Women’s World Cup since the competition began.
The defeat is also a major setback for the ten-times African champions, who had hoped to use their experience and pedigree to secure another appearance on the global stage.
Nigeria’s attention will now turn to rebuilding the team and addressing the shortcomings exposed during the qualifying campaign ahead of future international competitions.
