By Kabiru Abdulrauf
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have booked their place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco after a 1-1 draw against the Benin Republic in Abeokuta on Tuesday, secured a 3-1 aggregate victory.
Defender Ashley Plumptre opened scoring in the 13th minute with her first-ever goal for the national team, nodding in from Esther Okoronkwo’s corner. But the visitors, nicknamed the Amazons, refused to back down, equalising in the second half through Yasminath Djibril’s superb free-kick.
The Falcons had done the heavy lifting in the first leg in Lome, Togo, last Friday, where goals from Okoronkwo and Rasheedat Ajibade handed them a 2–0 advantage. The result in Abeokuta was enough to confirm qualification despite Benin’s spirited display.
Playing before a packed crowd at the MKO Abiola Stadium, the Falcons showed flashes of their trademark dominance but were kept in check by the energetic Beninese side, led by the impressive Dossi Germaine Honfo and Yenido Romaine Gandonou.
Nigeria created several scoring chances, including efforts from Asisat Oshoala, Michelle Alozie, and substitute Folashade Ijamilusi, but were denied by Benin’s goalkeeper, Sourakatou Alassane, who made a series of fine saves.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was equally busy, pulling off key stops to keep the Falcons ahead on aggregate as the Amazons pressed for a comeback.
With the draw, Nigeria sealed passage to Morocco, where they will aim to defend their continental crown and chase an 11th WAFCON title. The tournament will also serve as a qualification route for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The Super Falcons remain Africa’s most successful women’s football team, having won the championship ten times, a record they now have the chance to extend.
