Nigeria failed to qualify for the Women's World Cup 2027 after a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in a play‑off at the 2026 WAFCON. The top‑ranked African side was eliminated in Morocco’s quarter‑finals by Cameroon, leaving only the semi‑finalists a guaranteed spot.

In Casablanca, Banyana Banyana secured a 2-1 win over Nigeria with second‑half goals from Thembi Kgatlana and Refiloe Jane. Jane’s yellow‑card dismissal and Christy Ucheibe’s 93rd‑minute penalty sealed the result, while Kaylin Swart made a dramatic foot‑save against Michelle Alozie. Nigeria’s loss ended a streak of appearances at every Women’s World Cup since 1991.

Ghana also won its game against Ivory Coast 2-1, earning a place in the inter‑confederation qualifier alongside the Black Queens. Both teams now face a six‑team league with Asian, Oceanian and South American sides, where the top two will progress to a final qualifier for Brazil.

The results have left Nigeria’s football community stunned, as the Super Falcons have historically dominated African women’s football and claimed a record 10 WAFCON titles.