The Super Falcons and Banyana Banyana return to action on Thursday with far more than local bragging rights at stake.
Nigeria and South Africa will meet in a crucial CAF play-off in Casablanca after both sides suffered quarter-final exits at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria were beaten 1-0 by Cameroon, while hosts Morocco ended South Africa’s title challenge with a 2-1 victory.
The defeat to Cameroon ended Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup through the WAFCON semi-finals, while South Africa also missed out on one of the direct places. The two sides must now fight through the play-off route, making Thursday’s meeting one of the most consequential fixtures either team has played in this tournament.
Both nations possess experienced squads packed with players who have performed at the highest level for club and country. But in a match this tight, individual moments could make the difference.
PREMIUM TIMES takes a look at five players who could shape the outcome.
