South Africa’s U17 Women’s national team defeated Gabon 12-1 in their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying match to advance to the second round and play Nigeria.

Although South Africa’s qualification has reignited the rivalry between the two nations, the Nigerian national team was given a bye in the First Round.

Gabon players did not fit the age restriction for the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, hence the second leg of the match between South Africa and Gabon has been cancelled.

FIFA regulations were not followed because Gabon had only six players qualified for the return leg.

Nigeria is favoured above its South African rivals on paper after their accomplishments.

They were the third-place finishers in the 2022 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup and were the five-time African champions in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2016.