Nnadozie Insists Nigeria Still Have Hope of Reaching 2027 Women’s World Cup

Posted : 11 August 2026

Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie says Nigeria still have a chance of reaching the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup despite their disappointing WAFCON exit. Nigeria lost 1-0 to Cameroon in the quarter-finals and will now face South Africa in a crucial World Cup play-off.

Myriam Nyadjou scored the only goal in Sunday's quarter-final in Casablanca. Cameroon's goalkeeper Michaely Bihina then produced several important saves as the Indomitable Lionesses protected their lead and reached the semi-finals.

The defeat ended Nigeria's defence of the WAFCON title and prevented them from securing one of Africa's four direct World Cup places. FIFA confirmed that four African teams will qualify directly through the 2026 WAFCON, while two additional African nations can reach the World Cup through the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

Nnadozie urged her teammates to remain positive despite the setback. The Paris FC goalkeeper said the team must return to the drawing board and focus on the opportunity still available to them.

Nigeria will meet South Africa on Thursday, August 13, in a high-profile play-off between two of Africa's strongest women's teams. South Africa also lost in the quarter-finals, meaning neither side can afford another defeat in the race for Brazil 2027.

The Super Falcons have appeared at every previous edition of the Women's World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1991. Their best result remains a quarter-final appearance in 1999, while they reached the last 16 at the 2019 and 2023 editions.

Midfielder Jennifer Echegini also remained optimistic after the Cameroon defeat. She felt Nigeria created enough opportunities during the match and stressed that the World Cup qualification campaign is not over.

Coach Justin Madugu will now have to lift the squad ahead of the South Africa clash. The Super Falcons will need to respond quickly after losing their continental crown and failing to reach the WAFCON semi-finals for the first time.

The stakes are particularly high because the winner of the Nigeria-South Africa play-off will move into the FIFA Play-Off Tournament. The competition will feature 10 teams competing for the final three World Cup places, with its first phase scheduled for November and December 2026.

The final phase will take place in February 2027. Three teams will ultimately emerge from the play-off tournament to complete the 32-team World Cup field in Brazil.

For Nigeria, Thursday's meeting with South Africa therefore offers an immediate chance to recover from their WAFCON disappointment. Victory would keep the Super Falcons on course for an unprecedented 10th consecutive appearance at the Women's World Cup.

Nnadozie Insists Nigeria Still Have Hope of Reaching 2027 Women’s World Cup

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