The 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil will be missing something that has been at every previous edition: Nigeria.
The Super Falcons fell 2-1 to South Africa in a playoff that sent the winner to FIFA's intercontinental playoff.
Nigeria has appeared at all nine editions of the Women's World Cup since the tournament launched in its current format in 1991. Prior to this edition of the Women's African Cup of Nations, which also served as World Cup qualification, Nigeria had never missed the semifinal.
Nigeria knew its hopes were in danger after a stunning quarterfinal loss to Cameroon, in which Nigeria put nine shots on goal but saw them all denied by Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina. Maéva Nyadjou's goal in the 19th minute proved to be the difference
in a 1-0 Cameroon win.
That sent Nigeria into the must-win match with South Africa, but a goal from Tigres attacker Thembi Kgatlana in the 56th minute and another from captain Refiloe Jane in the 77th meant Nigeria would need a furious rally to have any hope of still making it to Brazil.
That nearly came off, with Christy Ucheibe scoring a stoppage-time penalty and Chicago Stars defender Michelle Alozie putting a shot on target with one of the final touches of the game. South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart stuck out her leg to deny Alozie's effort, one of five saves on the day, and Nigeria were eliminated from World Cup contention.
Malawi, Cameroon, Algeria and Morocco are the qualified teams from the African region with South Africa joined by Ghana in the play-in.
After beating Nigeria, Cameroon got past host Morocco in a penalty shootout, earning a place in the final against Malawi, which beat Algeria thanks to a double from Tabitha Chaŵinga and a goal from her sister, KC Current forward Temwa Chaŵinga.
FIFA announced this week it will reveal the schedule of matches for the 2027 tournament on August 20 as it also conducts the draw for the intercontinental playoff. The draw for the tournament itself is expected to take place in December with the tournament kicking off June 24, 2027.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nigeria misses Women's World Cup for first time ever after playoff loss
