WAFCON 2026: Super Falcons Get World Cup Lifeline in Play-Offs

Nigeria’s Super Falcons still have a chance to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup despite their elimination from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The four teams that lost their quarter-final matches have been drawn into the African play-offs, with two spots in the Inter-Confederation Play-Offs at stake.

The teams are Nigeria, South Africa, Ivory Coast and Ghana.

Nigeria will face South Africa, while Ivory Coast will take on Ghana in the African play-offs.

The winners of the two matches will advance to the 10-team Inter-Confederation Play-Offs scheduled for November and December.

Three of the 10 teams at the intercontinental stage will secure qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

The Super Falcons were knocked out of the WAFCON on Sunday after losing 1-0 to Cameroon in their quarter-final encounter.

Myriam Maéva Nyadjou Wamen scored the only goal of the match with a stunning free-kick in the 19th minute.

Nigeria failed to find an equaliser despite creating opportunities as Cameroon held on to secure a place in the semi-finals.

The defeat ended Nigeria’s hopes of defending the WAFCON title they won in Morocco but kept their World Cup qualification hopes alive through the play-off route.

The Super Falcons must now defeat South Africa to advance to the intercontinental play-offs and remain in contention for a place at the 2027 World Cup.