While the Super Falcons had another chance to reach the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana ended their hopes in the African intercontinental playoff.
Nigeria had already lost automatic qualification after Cameroon knocked them out in the quarter-final of the 2026 Women’s AFCON. The playoff offered a second chance, but the Falcons failed to take it.
South Africa broke the deadlock in the 56th minute through Thembi Kgatlana before Refiloe Jane doubled the lead in the 77th minute. Nigeria were handed a penalty after a South African player was sent off late in the game, and Christy Ucheibe calmly converted.
However, the goal came too late to force extra time.
The defeat marks a historic low for Nigerian women’s football, as this is the first time Nigeria have failed to qualify for the Women’s World Cup since the tournament began.
The setback also mirrors the Super Eagles’ struggles, with Nigeria’s men having now missed two straight World Cups.
South Africa’s victory sends them into the intercontinental playoff alongside Ghana’s Black Queens. They join Malawi, Cameroon, Morocco and Algeria, who secured automatic qualification through the Women’s AFCON.
