The Super Falcons of Nigeria were up against South Africa in the 2027 Women’s World Cup play-off and needed a victory to move to the next stage – the intercontinental play-offs. 

Two tickets were up for grabs, with four losing quarter-finalists at the 2027 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) battling for them.

98′ – It is full-time, and Nigeria have lost 2-1 against South Africa. It is the end of the road for the Super Falcons, who won’t be at the World Cup for the first time since the tournament’s inception.

93′ – Ucheibe scores for Nigeria.

92′ – Nigeria gets a penalty, and it is also a red card for South Africa after their player blocked the ball with her hand.

77′ – South Africa scores the second goal. It is 2-0 against Nigeria.

75′ – Uchenna Kanu’s header is parried away for a corner kick.

60′ – Chiamaka Nnadozie saves Nigeria, preventing South Africa from scoring again.

54′ – Justine Madugu throws Joy Omewa into the fray. She replaces Asisat Oshoala.

48′ – Oshoala shoots into the goalkeeper.

46′ – The second half is underway!

45′ – One more minute added. It is still no goal yet.

40′ – Michelle Alozie’s shot goes narrowly wide for a goal-kick to South Africa.

35′ – No goals in Casablanca in a game of few chances.

28′ – Rasheedat Ajibade’s free kick straight to the South African goalkeeper.

23′ – A South African ball over the top fails to find any Banyana Banyana.

20′ – Twenty minutes in and nothing has separated the teams. No clear-cut chances so far from either country at the Moulay Rachid Stadium.

10′ – Nigeria are pressing for an early goal, but it is still goalless.

1′ – The World Cup play-off between South Africa and Nigeria has kicked off!