Former Nigeria international Ifeanyi Udeze has described Super Falcons failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA women’s World Cup as an insult, completesports.com reports.

The Super Falcons’ hopes of reaching next year’s tournament was ended after they lost 2-1 to Banyana Banyana of South Africa in the play-in on Thursday.

After a goalless first half South Africa went 2-0 ahead thanks to goals from Thembi Kgatlana and Rediloe Jane.

The Super Falcons pulled a goal back from the penalty spot through Christy Ucheibe in the 93rd minute which was only a consolation goal.

Following the win, South Africa picked the ticket to the Intercontinental playoff which will serve as qualifiers for the World Cup.

This will be the first time ever the Super Falcons would fail to qualify for the World Cup since their first appearance at the maiden edition in 1991.

Also Read: 2027 WWC Playoffs: How Super Falcons Rated In Slim Defeat To South Africa

“Not picking the World Cup ticket is an insult,” Udeze said on Brila FM. “I don’t blame them for not winning the WAFCON but what really pained me is not picking the World Cup ticket.”

Udeze also pointed out other factors that led to the team’s inability to qualify for the World Cup.

“Not like our players are not good but I think they were overconfident going into the WAFCON and it seems there’s no Unity among them.”

Earlier on Thursday, Ghana qualified for the Intercontinental playoff after coming from a goal down to beat Côte d’Ivoire 2-1.

Meanwhile, the four countries that have automatically qualified for the World Cup are hosts Morocco, Cameroon, Algeria and debutants Malawi.

The final of this year’s WAFCON final will be contested by Malawi and Cameroon, who both defeated the Super Falcons in the group stage and quarterfinal respectively.

By James Agberebi