Nigeria misses Women's World Cup for first time ever after playoff loss

Nigeria will miss the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil for the first time ever after losing 2-1 to South Africa in a playoff that sends the winner to FIFA’s intercontinental playoff. The Super Falcons had appeared at all nine editions since the tournament’s current format began in 1991 and had never previously missed the semifinals. Nigeria’s quarterfinal exit to Cameroon—despite nine shots on goal—left it needing a result versus South Africa after goals from Tigres attacker Thembi Kgatlana (56th) and captain Refiloe Jane (77th). Nigeria got a stoppage-time penalty from Christy Ucheibe, but South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart saved to end the run.