The Super Falcons of Nigeria and South Africa’s Banyana Banyana will face off on Thursday in a crucial play-off as both teams battle to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup alive.

The two African giants were forced into the play-off after suffering quarter-final defeats at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria, who have won the continental title 10 times, lost 1-0 to Cameroon, while defending champions South Africa were beaten by hosts Morocco.

The quarter-final defeats denied both teams automatic qualification for the World Cup, leaving them to compete for one of two available CAF places in the intercontinental play-offs, which will be held in two phases between November and February.

Nigeria have historically dominated the rivalry, recording 15 victories in more than 23 meetings across friendlies, WAFCON matches and Olympic and World Cup qualifiers. However, South Africa have closed the gap in recent years.

Banyana defeated Nigeria 2-1 in the group stage of the 2022 WAFCON before going on to win their first continental title. Nigeria later got the better of South Africa in a two-legged Olympic qualifying play-off to secure a place at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu admitted that the defeat to Cameroon highlighted the need for Nigeria to keep improving, insisting that the team would not take its traditional dominance for granted.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade also urged her teammates to put the disappointment of the quarter-final defeat behind them and focus on securing victory against South Africa.

She said the team must use the setback as motivation and show its character in the face of adversity.

Striker Uchenna Kanu revealed that the Cameroon defeat had deeply affected the players, with some struggling to eat after the loss. However, she said the squad had quickly shifted its focus towards the decisive encounter with South Africa.

The winner of Thursday’s fixture will advance to the FIFA Intercontinental Play-Off Tournament, where three remaining World Cup places will be contested.

The highly anticipated clash is scheduled to kick off at 9pm Nigerian time on Thursday, with both sides needing victory to keep their World Cup dreams alive.