…The late penalty was scored by Christy Ucheibe, not Rasheedat Ajibade.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will miss the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time after suffering a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in a decisive qualifying play-off in Casablanca, Morocco.

The result ended Nigeria’s remarkable record of qualifying for every edition of the tournament since the inaugural Women’s World Cup in 1991.

The Super Falcons entered Thursday’s encounter needing victory over Banyana Banyana to advance to the intercontinental play-offs and remain in contention for a place at the 2027 tournament in Brazil.

Both sides had missed automatic qualification after losing their quarter-final matches at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria suffered a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon, while South Africa lost 2-1 to hosts Morocco.

Following a goalless first half, Thembi Kgatlana opened the scoring for South Africa in the 56th minute.

Banyana Banyana captain Refiloe Jane doubled the advantage in the 77th minute, leaving the Super Falcons under severe pressure.

Nigeria received a late lifeline when Jane was shown a red card for handling the ball, resulting in a penalty for the Super Falcons.

Christy Ucheibe converted the spot kick in the 93rd minute to reduce the deficit, but Nigeria could not find an equaliser before the final whistle.

South Africa held on for the 2-1 victory and secured a place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup intercontinental play-offs, where they will have another opportunity to qualify for Brazil 2027.

The defeat ends Nigeria’s run of nine consecutive appearances at the Women’s World Cup from 1991 to 2023.

It also compounds a disappointing campaign for the record 10-time African champions, who entered the tournament as defending champions but were eliminated by Cameroon in the quarter-finals before losing their final route to World Cup qualification.

Nigeria’s football authorities will now face questions over the team’s preparation and performance after the continent’s most successful women’s national side failed to qualify for the global tournament for the first time.

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