Nigeria, Africa's top-ranked team, will miss the Fifa Women's World Cup for the first time after a 2-1 play-off defeat to South Africa at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon).
Second-half goals from Thembi Kgatlana and Refiloe Jane secured victory for South Africa's Banyana Banyana in Casablanca. Despite late drama, including Jane's red card and a 93rd-minute penalty converted by Christy Ucheibe for Nigeria, goalkeeper Kaylin Swart made a crucial save in the final moments to deny Michelle Alozie.
This elimination follows Nigeria's quarter-final exit from Wafcon against Cameroon and a group stage loss to Malawi. The Super Falcons had been favourites to retain their Wafcon title and have won the tournament a record 10 times.
South Africa now join Ghana in a six-team inter-confederation qualifier in November and December. They will compete against Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei, Papua New Guinea, and Ecuador, with the top two sides advancing to a final qualifier in February. Three teams from that final stage will secure their spot in Brazil for the 2027 Women's World Cup.