WAFCON: South Africa To Face Nigeria for 2027 Women’s World Cup Qualification
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Banyana Banyana Face Super Falcons in CAF Playoffs
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is sure to produce a first-time champion following South Africa and Nigeria’s disappointing exits in the quarter-finals of the continental competition last weekend.
Banyana Banyana suffered a 2-1 defeat to host nation Morocco, while the Super Falcons’ hopes of an 11th WAFCON title were brought to an end by Cameroon. The Indomitable Lionesses beat the Atlas Lionesses in the semis to set up a grand final against Algeria on Wednesday night.
While the four semi-finalists have booked their spot in the 2027 World Cup, there is still a chance for the losing teams from the last eight of the WAFCON to do likewise through the Playoffs, which kick off with South Africa taking on Nigeria in Casablanca tonight.
Both nations have squads filled with players who have excelled on the grandest stages for both club and country. However, in a contest expected to be decided by fine margins, one moment of individual brilliance could prove decisive.
CAF Playoffs: 3 Players Who Could Decide Tonight’s Blockbuster
Rasheedat Ajibade - Nigeria
Rasheedat Ajibade has been one of Nigeria’s key figures throughout the tournament, carrying a heavy responsibility while contributing both leadership and attacking quality from midfield and further forward.
Ajibade has already scored in this tournament, converting a penalty against Malawi before finding the net again in the team’s 6-2 victory over Egypt. Against South Africa, her ability to operate between the lines could be vital in breaking through a well-organised Banyana midfield.
Chiamaka Nnadozie - Nigeria
Nigeria’s attacking threats may grab the headlines, but Chiamaka Nnadozie could be just as important at the other end of the pitch. The Brighton goalkeeper has established herself among Africa’s elite, claiming three successive CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year awards between 2023 and 2025.
Her ability to produce decisive saves under pressure has become a defining feature of her game, and that quality has been on display during the WAFCON. Nnadozie will need to be at her best tonight to help the Super Falcons earn their spot in the 2027 World Cup.
Thembi Kgatlana - South Africa
With her pace and experience, Thembi Kgatlana is likely to be South Africa’s biggest attacking threat. The veteran forward is one of the most dangerous forwards in African football and has already made her mark at the WAFCON, scoring in South Africa’s 2-2 draw against Ivory Coast.
Kgatlana’s greatest strength is her ability to turn even the smallest opening into a genuine goalscoring opportunity. She can isolate defenders, attack from the left flank, cut inside and test the goalkeeper from distance.
