Nigeria miss World Cup for first time in 35 years after loss

Nigeria's Super Falcons will miss the FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time since the tournament's 1991 debut in China. The defeat came following a 2-1 loss to South Africa, which confirmed Banyana Banyana's place in the intercontinental playoffs for the 2027 tournament in Brazil.

After losing to Cameroon in the 2026 WAFCON quarterfinal in Casablanca, Nigeria entered a playoff for a second chance at qualification. However, the side coached by Justin Madugu struggled against South Africa. The performance marked the lowest level of play seen from any senior Nigerian women's national team.

Following a scoreless first half, South Africa took the lead in the 56th minute. Thembi Kgatlana scored on a fast counter-attack to beat goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. South Africa's goalkeeper, Kaylin Christen Swart, was named Player of the Match after making a crucial save against Uchenna Kanu's header in the 75th minute.

South Africa extended their lead two minutes later when a shot from substitute Christy Ucheibe deflected into the net during a scramble. Nigeria found a lifeline in stoppage time when Jane Refiloe was sent off for a second bookable offence after handling a header from Alozie in the box. Ucheibe converted the resulting penalty to make it 2-1.

Nigeria failed to find an equalizer in the final moments. Alozie's last attempt was blocked by Swart to end the Super Falcons' hopes of reaching the Mundial. South Africa and Ghana will now join eight other teams from various confederations in the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for February next year.

In the other playoff fixture, Ghana's Black Queens defeated Côte d'Ivoire 2-1 to secure their spot in the playoffs. Princess Marfo equalized in the 59th minute after Ines Konan had put Côte d'Ivoire ahead with a penalty in the fourth minute. Josephine Bonsu scored a second-half penalty in the 72nd minute to ensure Ghana's progression.