Nigeria’s Super Falcons have suffered a historic setback after losing 2-1 to South Africa in Casablanca, a defeat that ends their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The high-stakes playoff was Nigeria’s final route to the tournament as the Super Falcons had lost to Cameroon in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.
A victory would have sent Nigeria into the intercontinental playoffs, Instead, South Africa secured the crucial spot with a determined performance.
Thembi Kgatlana opened the scoring for Banyana Banyana in the 56th minute before Refiloe Jane doubled South Africa’s lead in the 77th minute.
Nigeria refused to give up as Christy Ucheibe converted a penalty in the third minute of stoppage time. Her goal reduced the deficit to 2-1 and gave the Super Falcons late hope.
Nigeria pushed for an equaliser in the closing minutes but South African goalkeeper Kaylin Swart made a crucial saves to protect her team’s lead.
The defeat ends Nigeria’s remarkable record at the Women’s World Cup as the Super Falcons had featured in every edition since the tournament began in 1991.
Nigeria will now miss the Women’s World Cup for the first time in history.
For South Africa, the victory keeps their World Cup hopes alive. Banyana Banyana will now compete in the intercontinental playoff stage for a place at the tournament.
