Nigeria's Super Falcons have failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time after losing 2-1 to South Africa in a playoff match in Morocco.

The defeat ended Nigeria's hopes of progressing to the intercontinental playoff for another route to the tournament. South Africa took the lead in the 56th minute through Thembi Kgatlana before Refiloe Jane doubled the advantage in the 77th minute.

Nigeria pulled one back through Christy Ucheibe from the penalty spot in stoppage time after South Africa were reduced to 10 players, but the Falcons could not find an equaliser. The result ends Nigeria's record of featuring in every edition of the Women's World Cup since the tournament began in 1991.

— CHANNELS