* South Africa’s Dhlamini vows fight against Nigeria
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has apologised to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians after the Super Falcons failed to secure direct qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the ongoing 14 th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
In a statement issued by the NFF Communications Department, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, speaking on behalf of the Executive Committee, the Super Falcons and “the entire Nigerian football family,” said the federation regretted being unable to deliver the expected result and extended a specific apology to Tinubu for the disappointment.
The statement cited the Federal Government’s backing of the team, including rewards to the Super Falcons following their previous WAFCON title, as part of the basis for the apology. The NFF also apologised to the National Assembly, the National Sports Commission, sponsors, stakeholders and Nigerian supporters.
The federation said a qualification pathway remains open through the CAF play-offs, with the Super Falcons set to compete for one of two available CAF play-off tickets before a subsequent FIFA play-off tournament. The NFF said it would conduct an assessment of the team’s preparation, technical planning, logistics and operations, and committed to fielding a stronger side going forward.
In a related development, South Africa midfielder Karabo Dhlamini has vowed her side will fight for a place in the FIFA inter-confederation play-offs when Banyana Banyana face Nigeria’s Super Falcons in a World Cup play-in match at Casablanca’s Moulay Rachid Stadium on Thursday. Nigeria Football: Jalla faults NSC, NASS over inaction ahead NFF poll Osun group endorses Tinubu, Adeleke ahead of 2027, 2026 elections LP candidate hails Tinubu’s military salary review
South Africa’s WAFCON campaign ended with a 2-1 quarterfinal defeat to hosts Morocco in Rabat on Saturday, with Sakina Diki Ouzraoui and Hanane Aït El Haj scoring either side of half-time before Thembi Kgatlana pulled one back in the 67 th minute.The result confirmed Morocco’s place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup and sent South Africa into the play-in route instead.
Dhlamini said the team’s target remains unchanged despite the setback, telling ESPN they would “try our best to win the play-offs, because we still have a chance to qualify for the World Cup.”She said the team played well but lost momentum after conceding the opening goal.
Nigeria reached the same play-in stage after losing 1-0 to Cameroon in their own WAFCON quarterfinal. The winner of Thursday’s fixture advances to a wider nine-team inter-confederation play-off tournament set for November and December, which will decide the final three tickets to the 2027 World Cup.
South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis said the team remained in contention despite the setback, adding that although they had hoped to avoid the play-in route, the squad would now focus on a quick recovery and full preparation — mentally and physically — for Thursday’s match.
News Credit to our media partner The Nation .
