Nigeria will not feature at the FIFA Women’s World Cup taking place in Brazil for the first time since the competition began in 1991.
The Super Falcons, record winners of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, have missed out on a place in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup play-offs after a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in the continental play-off.
Thembi Kgatlana put Banyana Banyana ahead four minutes before the hour mark, before captain Refiloe Jane doubled their advantage in the 77th minute.
South Africa were reduced to ten players after captain Refiloe Jane was sent off for a second yellow card after handling the ball inside the penalty area.
Christy Ucheibe converted from the spot to reduce the deficit, but it proved too late for the Super Falcons to mount a comeback.
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South Africa will now join Ghana, who defeated Côte d’Ivoire 2-1, as Africa’s representatives in the ten-team FIFA play-off tournament for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
The play-offs scheduled for November and December 2027 will feature ten nations with only three of them qualifying for the global showpiece.
For Nigeria, however, the defeat marks an unprecedented setback, ending their ever-present record at the Women’s World Cup.
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(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
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