Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been eliminated from the race for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after suffering a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in Casablanca on Thursday, August 13.
The defeat came in a crucial CAF play-off between the two quarter-final losers at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria had missed out on automatic qualification after losing 1-0 to Cameroon, while South Africa were beaten 2-1 by hosts Morocco.
The winner of the play-off was set to advance to the intercontinental World Cup play-offs.
South Africa took control after the break, with Thembi Kgatlana opening the scoring in the 56th minute before captain Refiloe Jane doubled Banyana Banyana’s lead in the 77th minute.
Nigeria pulled one back late through Christy Ucheibe, who converted from the penalty spot, but the Super Falcons could not find an equaliser.
The result ends Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2027 World Cup and marks a significant setback for the defending African champions and the continent’s most successful women’s national team.
It also represents a landmark victory for South Africa, who had never previously beaten Nigeria in a World Cup qualifying or play-off match. Their latest triumph adds a new chapter to one of African women’s football’s fiercest rivalries.
