Super Falcons miss 2027 Women’s World Cup after South Africa defeat

Nigeria's Super Falcons have failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup after losing 2-1 to South Africa in the play-off in Casablanca.

The defeat means Nigeria will miss the Women's World Cup for the first time since the tournament began in 1991.

The Super Falcons needed a victory at the Moulay Rachid Stadium to advance to the intercontinental play-offs, but South Africa secured the crucial win to end Nigeria's hopes.

South Africa take control after goalless first half

The opening 45 minutes produced few clear-cut opportunities, with neither side able to break the deadlock.

Nigeria applied pressure early in search of the goal they needed, while South Africa struggled to create significant openings.

Michelle Alozie came close for Nigeria in the 40th minute, but her effort went narrowly wide.

Rasheedat Ajibade also tested the South African defence with a free kick, although it went straight to the goalkeeper.

The teams went into half-time level at 0-0.

South Africa score twice after the break

The match changed shortly after the restart.

South Africa broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, putting the Banyana Banyana 1-0 ahead and leaving Nigeria needing a response.

Chiamaka Nnadozie then kept the Super Falcons in the contest with an important save in the 60th minute.

Nigeria continued searching for an equaliser, with Uchenna Kanu seeing her header pushed away for a corner.

However, South Africa struck again in the 77th minute to double their advantage.

With time running out, Nigeria were facing elimination.

Ucheibe gives Nigeria late hope

The Super Falcons were handed a major opportunity in stoppage time when Nigeria won a penalty.

South Africa also received a red card after a player was sent off for blocking the ball with her hand.

Christy Ucheibe converted the penalty in the 93rd minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1.

Nigeria pushed for a dramatic equaliser during the remaining minutes, but South Africa held on to secure victory.

The final whistle confirmed Nigeria's elimination.

Super Falcons suffer historic World Cup absence

The result marks a significant moment for Nigerian women's football.

The Super Falcons had appeared at every previous Women's World Cup since the competition's inaugural edition in 1991.

Their failure to qualify for the 2027 tournament therefore ends one of the longest participation records in women's international football.

South Africa's victory also puts them closer to securing their place in the next stage of the qualification process.

Ghana had already secured one of the available tickets after defeating Côte d'Ivoire, while the remaining qualification places were being contested by the losing WAFCON quarter-finalists.

SportsLigue