Nigeria to miss Women's World Cup after South Africa and Ghana win play-offs
South Africa and Ghana progress to an inter-confederation qualifier for the 2027 Women's World Cup, but Nigeria will miss the tournament for the first time.
Nigeria will miss the 2026 Women's World Cup after a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in a play-off at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Falcons, ranked first in Africa, were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Cameroon and had already lost to Malawi in the group stage. With the top four teams securing spots in Brazil, Nigeria had a final chance to qualify through an inter-confederation qualifier.
Thembi Kgatlana and Refiloe Jane scored for South Africa, with Jane receiving a second yellow card and being sent off in the 93rd minute. Despite Nigeria's late efforts, including a penalty from Christy Ucheibe in the 93rd minute, South Africa secured the win. This is Nigeria's first absence from a Women's World Cup since the tournament's inception in 1991.
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