Former Super Eagles forward Peter Ijeh has strongly criticised the Super Falcons following their 2–1 defeat to South Africa, which ended Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Ijeh was particularly disappointed with the team’s approach in the crucial World Cup play-off, arguing that the Super Falcons lacked the structure and creativity required to break down Banyana Banyana.
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According to the former striker, there was little coordination in Nigeria’s play and the team struggled to produce a clear attacking plan throughout the encounter.
“There was no structure and no creativity. There was no coordination in the way they played.”
South Africa took control after Thembi Kgatlana opened the scoring in the 56th minute, before captain Refiloe Jane doubled the advantage in the 77th minute.
Nigeria eventually reduced the deficit through Christy Ucheibe’s penalty in the 89th minute after a VAR review identified a handball by Jane, but the late pressure was not enough to prevent South Africa from securing victory.
Ijeh believes Nigeria’s performance raised serious questions about the team’s readiness to compete at the highest level.
The defeat means the Super Falcons will miss the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time in their history, ending a record that had stood since the inaugural tournament in 1991.
For Ijeh, the outcome could ultimately serve as a necessary wake-up call for Nigerian women’s football, with the national team now facing the need for significant technical and structural improvements.
The former Super Eagles forward also suggested that progressing to the World Cup on the back of such performances could have exposed Nigeria to even greater difficulties against stronger opposition.
*The Super Falcons’ historic failure to qualify has consequently intensified the debate over the team’s tactical direction, player selection and overall preparation.*
