Nigeria’s Super Falcons miss the 2027 Women’s World Cup after losing 2-1 to South Africa in a dramatic play-off in Casablanca.
The defeat means Nigeria will miss the Women’s World Cup for the first time since the tournament began.
South Africa took the lead in the 56th minute before doubling their advantage 21 minutes later to put Nigeria under pressure.
The Super Falcons fought back late in the match after South Africa conceded a penalty and had a player sent off for handling the ball in the 92nd minute.
Christy Ucheibe converted Nigeria’s penalty in the 93rd minute, giving the nine-time African champions hope of a late comeback.
However, Nigeria could not find an equaliser before the final whistle.
The match had remained goalless at half-time, with neither side creating many clear-cut chances.
Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie kept her side in the contest with a crucial save in the 60th minute, while Uchenna Kanu and Michelle Alozie also came close to scoring.
Earlier, Ghana secured one of the two available World Cup play-off tickets by defeating Côte d’Ivoire.
The result brings an end to Nigeria’s remarkable record of appearing at every edition of the Women’s World Cup since its inception.
