FIFA Women's World Cup: Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco bag historic R16 tickets

African teams make history at FIFA Women's World Cup, with Nigeria, South Africa, and Morocco advancing to Round of 16.

The Super Falcons goalkeeper and defender Uchenna Kanu celebrate after the team qualified for the round of 16 in the ongoing FIFA Women's World Cup.  (Photo credit: GOAL)

For the first time in the history of the Women’s World Cup, three of the four African countries representing the continent made it to the round of 16.

The Super Falcons of Nigeria, Banyana Banyana of South Africa, Chipolopolo of Zambia, and the Lionness of Morocco all flew to New Zealand and Australia for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and of the four, only the Zambians will be taking an early flight back to Lusaka.

In a group that had highly rated Canada and the co-host Australia, the Super Falcons made it through as runner-up following a spirited win over the Matildas and two goalless draws against Canada and the Republic of Ireland.

South Africa defied the odds to come second in a group that had Sweden, Italy, and Argentina. Despite losing their opening game to Sweden, the Banyana Banyana lost a two-goal lead to draw against Argentina and then beat Italy 3-2 to finish second in the group.

It was magical for Morocco on the final day of group games. Germany, rated second by FIFA in the women category and expected to top the group crashed out of the tournament from the group stages for the first time ever with Morocco beating Colombia to eliminate the Germans.

Germany needed to beat Korea to qualify regardless of Morocco’s result; it’s laudable for the Moroccan ladies to qualify despite receiving a 6-0 hammering from Germany in their opening game. Colombia topped the group while Morocco sits second.

Nigeria will play England on Monday, while South Africa will play the Netherlands in the round of 16. The Blues of France are the team for Morocco.