Nigeria fail to qualify for Women’s World Cup for first time after South Africa defeat

The Nigeria women’s national team will not compete in the 2027 Women’s World Cup for the first time since the tournament’s inception.On Thursday night in Rabat, the Super Falcons, the 10-time and reigning WAFCON champions, lost a crucial qualification playoff match 2-1 to South Africa. It was a game they needed to win in order to compete in the FIFA inter-confederation playoffs that begin later this year.Nigeria had already been eliminated from the continental tournament last week when they lost to Cameroon on August 9, who will compete in their fourth-ever WAFCON final on Sunday against debutants Malawi.

South Africa win!🇿🇦 2 – 1 🇳🇬

The Banyana Banyana are qualified for the Preliminary Phase of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ Play-Off Tournament!#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/wGfQs3xi33

— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 13, 2026After a scoreless first half, 30-year-old South African striker Thembi Kgatlana broke the deadlock in the 56th minute with a goal scored off a counterattack. Hildah Magaia received a through ball into South Africa’s attacking half and drove the ball toward the end line, drawing Nigerian defenders to her before releasing a cross to a wide-open Kgatlana to finish with ease.