The Super Falcons of Nigeria will for the first time ever not feature at the Women’s World Cup after they fell 2-1 to South Africa in a a Play-in in Casablanca, Morocco.
Before tonight, Nigeria have played in all the World Cups since it was founded in 1991.
🎥 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇿🇦 2-1 🇳🇬
— CAF Women Football (@CAFwomen) August 13, 2026
South Africa take the win in a closely fought clash. ✅#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2026 | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/XkAa84t5sx
Nigeria and South Africa, both losing quarterfinalists in the 2026 WAFCON, got a second chance to qualify for next year’s World Cup in Brazil through this Playin.
After a goalless first half during both teams push for an opening goal without success, Banyana Banyana finally went in front in the 56th minute through poster girl Thembi Kgatlana.
She profited from a quick counter to fire past goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Almost immediately, Kgatlana came close to doubling the lead but this time Nnadozie was alert to keep out the danger.
Player of the Match Kaylin Swart will then deny Uchenna Kanu in the 75th minute, when she turned away for a corner a goal-bound header from inside the box.
Two minutes later, South Africa got their second goal, a deflected effort off substitute Christy Uchiebe during a goalmouth scramble.
In stoppage time, Ucheibe pulled a goal back from the penalty spot after VAR ruled that Michele’s Alozie’s header was handled by Refiloe Jane in the box.
Goalkeeper Swart will then keep out Alozie’s last-ditch shot with her left foot with South Africa a player short after Refiloe Jane was sent off for a second booking.
