Nigeria have missed qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in a qualification playoff in Casablanca.
The Super Falcons, eliminated from 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), were beaten by Banyana Banyana in a close encounter that ended hopes for remaining World Cup tickets.
Nigeria scored in the 93rd minute but goal came too late.
The win sends South Africa to intercontinental playoff for place at 2027 World Cup to be hosted by Brazil.
Nigeria will miss global tournament for first time since 1991.
Goals from Thembi Kgatlana and Refiloe Jane put South Africa in control before Christy Ucheibe pulled one back for Nigeria.
The defeat came days after Nigeria crashed out of WAFCON in quarter-finals after 1-0 loss to Cameroon, first time Nigeria failed to reach semi-finals.
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who plays for Atletico Madrid, said team must learn from disappointment.
“To be honest, my biggest lesson is just gratitude. We should be grateful,” Ajibade said.
She warned against complacency as women’s football in Africa grows more competitive.
“We should learn not to be lax because the competition is fierce now. We must realise we’re not invincible; we just need to prepare more, get better, and demand more of ourselves individually and collectively,” she said.
Ajibade played every minute of campaign in Morocco but struggled to influence knockout matches against Cameroon and South Africa.
NFF Sets Up Committee To Probe Failure
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has set up fact-finding committee to investigate recent struggles, focusing on Falcons failure to qualify.
The NFF said committee will examine setbacks and recommend measures to prevent repeat.
Ambassador Fanny Amun will chair committee, with former internationals Ladan Bosso, Desire Oparanozie, Mutiu Adepoju and Dr Alex Mana as members. Nasiru Jibril is secretary.
The committee findings will guide measures to improve performance, according to NFF.
Nigeria’s women’s team had appeared at every World Cup since inaugural edition in 1991 and won 11 WAFCON titles, the most in Africa.
