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Nigeria’s Super Falcons have failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time after losing 2-1 to South Africa in their WAFCON play-off in Morocco on Thursday.

The defeat ended Nigeria’s hopes of maintaining their perfect record of appearing at every edition of the Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991.

The Falcons had been forced into the play-off after losing 1-0 to Cameroon in the WAFCON quarter-final on Sunday. That defeat also ended Nigeria’s record of reaching at least the semi-finals at every previous edition of the African championship.

Nigeria started brightly against South Africa but failed to convert their opportunities in a goalless first half.

Thembi Kgatlana broke the deadlock for Banyana Banyana in the 56th minute before Refiloe Jane doubled South Africa’s lead in the 77th minute.

Nigeria were handed a late lifeline after a VAR review resulted in a penalty and Jane’s dismissal. Christy Ucheibe converted from the spot in stoppage time to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

The Falcons pressed for an equaliser but South Africa held on, with goalkeeper Kaylin Swart making a crucial late save to preserve the victory.

The result sends South Africa into the intercontinental play-off tournament, where the remaining African contenders will battle for places at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

For Nigeria, the result caps a disappointing WAFCON campaign following their record-extending 10th continental title last year.

The Falcons opened their 2026 campaign with a 3-2 defeat by WAFCON debutants Malawi before recovering with victories over Zambia and Egypt to reach the quarter-finals.

However, the loss to Cameroon ended their title defence, while Thursday’s defeat by South Africa brought an unprecedented end to Nigeria’s World Cup qualification streak.

LUKMAN ABDULMALIK
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