Nigeria’s Super Falcons have failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time since the tournament was inaugurated in 1991, after suffering a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in the African play-off on Thursday.
The defeat ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the global tournament after the defending Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) champions were eliminated by Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2026 tournament.
The Super Falcons were handed another opportunity to qualify through the African play-off, but South Africa proved too strong, securing victory to advance to the intercontinental play-off tournament.
The result brings an end to Nigeria’s remarkable record of appearing at every edition of the Women’s World Cup since its inception.
Meanwhile, Cameroon will face tournament surprise package Malawi in the WAFCON final after defeating hosts Morocco 3-1 on penalties following a goalless draw after extra time.
Malawi, ranked 153rd in the world, have continued their remarkable run at the tournament after eliminating Algeria 3-1 in the semi-finals.
The Scorchers are 116 places below Nigeria, the record 10-time African champions who exited the competition at the quarter-final stage.
Since the WAFCON began in 1998, Nigeria are the most successful nation in the competition, with Equatorial Guinea winning the title twice and South Africa claiming the trophy once.
