South Africa end Super Falcons World Cup qualification hopes after 2-1 win

The Super Falcons of Nigeria’s hope of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup ended after losing to the Bayana Bayana of South Africa in their play-in match

South Africa defeated Nigeria’s Super Falcons 2-1 in the play-in on Thursday.

The result means for the first time the Super Falcons will not be at the FIFA women’s World Cup since their debut in 1991.

The Super Falcons missed the chance to qualify automatically after losing their quarterfinal game against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon, but a win in theirt play-in match would have sent them to the inter-confederations playoff, but a loss to South Africa meant no more hope for Nigeria.

The Nigeria men’s national team – Super Eagles – failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 2026, now, their women – Super Falcons – will now miss out on the global showpiece.