Nigeria’s Super Falcons can still reach the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after losing 1-0 to Cameroon in the WAFCON 2026 quarter-finals.
The defeat ended Nigeria’s chance of taking one of Africa’s automatic World Cup places through the WAFCON semi-finals. However, the Super Falcons will face South Africa in the qualification play-off on Thursday, August 13.
GoalNigeria learnt Nigeria must beat South Africa to secure one of Africa’s two places in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Play-Off Tournament.
Cameroon booked a semi-final place with the win over Nigeria and secured a direct ticket to the 2027 World Cup. South Africa also moved into the play-off after Morocco beat Banyana Banyana 2-1 in their quarter-final.
The Super Falcons therefore face South Africa in a match that will decide which team advances to the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.
After the defeat to Cameroon, Super Falcons midfielder Christy Ucheibe apologised to Nigerian supporters.
“We are sorry to Nigerians that we couldn’t advance in the competition.”
Ucheibe also urged the team to focus on the World Cup route.
“The World Cup is still our target.”
Nigeria must now beat South Africa before it can continue its qualification campaign at the global play-off tournament.
The FIFA Play-Off Tournament will provide three final places at the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Africa has two places in the tournament.
The 2027 Women’s World Cup will take place in Brazil from June 24 to July 25, 2027.
