Nigeria, Aug. 14 -- The Super Falcons' hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup have come to a painful end after Nigeria suffered a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in the CAF play-off in Morocco.

The high-stakes encounter brought together the two quarter-final losers at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, with Nigeria having lost 1-0 to Cameroon and South Africa suffering a 2-1 defeat to hosts Morocco.

The winner was guaranteed a place in the intercontinental World Cup play-off route, making the clash a second chance for both nations after disappointing quarter-final exits.

South Africa, however, seized the opportunity, as Thembi Kgatlana broke the deadlock in the 56th minute before captain fantastic, Refiloe Jane doubled...