Women's World Cup 2027: Nigeria is absent as South Africa and Ghana
Nigeria will not participate in the 2027 Women's World Cup after losing to South Africa in the Wafcon play-off round, while Ghana will also be present after defeating Ivory Coast.
Women's World Cup 2027: Nigeria is absent while South Africa and Ghana
According to Bbc.
Why this is important
Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup is a big shock for African women's football, especially when they are the team with the best performance in the history of this tournament. This failure not only affects Nigeria's reputation but also raises questions about the team's future in international tournaments, especially in the context of Wafcon becoming more and more competitive.
Main point
- Women's World Cup 2027: Nigeria is absent when South Africa and Ghana.
- Nigeria will not participate in the 2027 Women's World Cup after losing to South Africa in the Wafcon play-off round, while Ghana will also be present after defeating Ivory Coast.
- Women's World Cup 2027: Nigeria misses out as South Africa and Ghana win Wafcon African play-offs - BBC Sport.
Nigeria has officially failed to qualify for the FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time in its history after losing 1-2 to South Africa in the play-off at the 2026 African Women's Championship (Wafcon). The continent's top-rated team entered the tournament in Morocco hoping to defend the title, but had to stop in the quarterfinals against Cameroon, after also losing to Malawi in the group stage.
The four semi-finalists are guaranteed an appearance at next year's World Cup, and the team led by coach Justin Madugu has one last chance to keep alive its hopes of participating in the tournament in Brazil. The match took place in Casablanca and ended in victory for Banyana Banyana thanks to two second-half goals from Thembi Kgatlana and Refiloe Jane. Even though captain Jane was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for handball in the penalty area, Nigeria still couldn't take advantage of that.
Christy Ucheibe scored from the penalty spot in the 93rd minute, creating a dramatic ending, but not enough to save the situation. South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart made excellent saves to keep a clean sheet in the final minutes. The defending Wafcon 2022 champions, South Africa, will participate in the FIFA intercontinental qualifiers with Ghana, after this team came from behind to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1 on the same day.
Nigeria is one of the best-performing teams at Women's World Cups, having participated in all nine tournaments since the first one was held in China in 1991. Not being present at this tournament will certainly cause a lot of reaction in a country whose fans are used to their team dominating at Wafcon with 10 titles.
The match in Casablanca started slowly but exploded in the second half with many opportunities created. Asisat Oshoala, a six-time winner of the African Footballer of the Year award, had a good chance but failed to score. The first goal of the match came in the 56th minute when Ronnel Donnelly smartly set up Hildah Magaia for a pass to Kgatlana, who scored the opening goal.
Ghana also had a dramatic match, where they were behind but came back successfully, with a goal from the penalty spot by Josephine Bonsu in the 72nd minute. These developments took place against the backdrop of financial stress for the Ghana team, as they issued a statement about waiting for the payment of bonuses and living expenses.
What happens next
South Africa and Ghana, the two teams that won tickets to the 2027 Women's World Cup, will prepare for FIFA's intercontinental qualifiers. For Nigeria, they need to review their strategy and squad to improve in the coming tournaments, in order to regain the position of one of the top teams in Wafcon and Global Football.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Nigeria fail to qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup?
Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup after losing 1-2 to South Africa in the play-off at the 2026 Women's African Football Championship (Wafcon).
Where will the match between Nigeria and South Africa take place?
The match between Nigeria and South Africa takes place in Casablanca.
Who were the scorers in the Nigeria vs South Africa match?
Thembi Kgatlana and Refiloe Jane scored for South Africa, while Christy Ucheibe scored from the penalty spot for Nigeria.
How does this loss affect Nigeria's position in the Wafcon rankings?
This loss prevents Nigeria from advancing to the Wafcon semi-finals and therefore has no chance of participating in the 2027 Women's World Cup.
Which FIFA intercontinental qualifiers will South Africa and Ghana participate in?
South Africa and Ghana will participate in the FIFA intercontinental qualifiers after both teams won tickets from Wafcon.
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