By Samuel Akpan in Casablanca
Nigeria’s Super Falcons will miss the Women’s World Cup for the first time since 1991.
The nine-time African champions fell 2-1 to South Africa in Casablanca this evening, ending a 35-year streak and a dream of reaching Brazil 2027.
PerSecondNews correspondent covering the ongoing tournament reports that the Falcons started brightly in Casablanca, creating several clear chances in the first half but failed to convert any of them.
Nigeria dominated possession, but their wastefulness upfront proved fatal—a recurring flaw in their campaign.
Unable to find synergy in the final third, the Super Falcons failed to punish South Africa, leaving the door open for Banyana Banyana to strike.
Catching Nigeria off guard, Thembi Kgatlana capitalized on poor defending during a swift counter-attack to put South Africa ahead against the run of play.
Nigeria’s fragility was exposed again after the break when Refiloe Jane fired a powerful strike from the edge of Zone 14 to double the lead and end Nigeria’s World Cup hopes.
The second-half slump highlights a troubling trend – the Falcons have struggled after the break all tournament, conceding multiple goals to South Africa, Malawi, and Egypt.
There was a late flicker of hope as midfielder Christy Ucheibe converted from the penalty spot to make it 2-1 and set up a tense finish.
It was a classic case of too little, too late. Nigeria failed to conjure an equalizer, bringing their iconic, unbroken World Cup attendance streak to a crushing and historic halt.
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