Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil have come to an end following a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) play-offs in Morocco.
The Super Falcons battled hard in a tightly contested encounter but fell behind in the second half when Thembi Kgatlana gave South Africa the lead. Refiloe Jane doubled Banyana Banyana’s advantage in the 76th minute, putting Nigeria under immense pressure.
Nigeria found a late lifeline in stoppage time after a VAR review awarded a penalty for handball. Christy Ucheibe converted from the spot to reduce the deficit to 2-1, but the Super Falcons were unable to find a dramatic equaliser before the final whistle. 
The result sees South Africa advance to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 inter-confederation play-offs, while Nigeria’s qualification campaign comes to an end. Having also missed out on a place in the WAFCON semi-finals, the Super Falcons were unable to secure either direct qualification or a second chance through the play-off route.
It marks a disappointing conclusion to Nigeria’s World Cup qualification journey, while South Africa keep their dream of reaching Brazil 2027 alive.
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