Nigeria have failed to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time after losing 2-1 to South Africa in a playoff match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Super Falcons entered the tournament as defending champions and were hoping to secure their place at next year’s World Cup in Brazil. However, their campaign ended in the quarter-finals after a defeat to Cameroon.
The loss to South Africa means Nigeria will miss the Women’s World Cup for the first time since the tournament began in 1991.
South Africa took the lead in the 56th minute through Thembi Kgatlana before Refiloe Jane doubled their advantage in the 77th minute.
Nigeria were handed a late lifeline when Jane was sent off after a VAR review for handling the ball inside the penalty area. Christy Ucheibe converted the resulting penalty in the 93rd minute to make it 2-1.
The Super Falcons pushed for an equaliser, but South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart produced a crucial late save to deny Michelle Alozie and secure victory for Banyana Banyana.
South Africa will now join Ghana in an inter-confederation qualifying tournament for the 2027 World Cup.
Ghana secured their place in the qualifying tournament after defeating Ivory Coast 2-1 earlier on Thursday.
Nigeria’s failure to qualify brings an end to their record of appearing at every edition of the Women’s World Cup and marks a major setback for the 10-time African champions.
