Nigeria’s Super Falcons have booked their place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco after securing a 3-1 aggregate victory over the Benin Republic, despite being held to a 1-1 draw in Abeokuta on Tuesday.
The 10-time African champions had built a strong advantage after their 2-0 win in the first leg last Friday in Lome, Togo. That cushion proved crucial as the visitors fought back for a draw in front of a lively Abeokuta crowd.
Defender Ashley Plumptre gave Nigeria the lead in the 13th minute, scoring her first-ever goal for the Super Falcons. She rose highest to head home from an Esther Okoronkwo corner, sending the fans at the MKO Abiola Stadium into celebration.
Nigeria continued to press forward, with Asisat Oshoala and Michelle Alozie both coming close to adding to the tally, while another header from Oshoala in the 23rd minute narrowly missed the target. Okoronkwo also came close in the 41st minute with a free-kick that hit the side netting.
However, the Benin Republic team—known as the Amazons—refused to back down. Led by their energetic attackers Dossi Germaine Honfo and Yenido Romaine Gandonou, they showed resilience and determination throughout the encounter.
After the restart, the Amazons pushed harder. Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie made two crucial saves—first from Gandonou in the 56th minute and then from a long-range effort by Yolande Gnammi two minutes later.
Their pressure paid off in the 60th minute when Yasminath Djibril fired a powerful free-kick over Nnadozie to level the score at 1-1.
The Super Falcons tried to regain control, with substitute Folashade Ijamilusi missing a golden chance after Benin’s goalkeeper Sourakatou Alassane spilled the ball. Alassane later denied Rasheedat Ajibade in the 77th minute and stopped a late effort from Joy Omewa in stoppage time.
In the end, the draw was enough to seal Nigeria’s passage to the 2026 WAFCON, where they will aim to defend their crown and extend their record to an 11th title in 14 editions. The qualification also puts them in a strong position for a potential ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The match marked a triumphant homecoming for the Super Falcons, who were playing in Nigeria for the first time since their 10th WAFCON triumph. The packed Abeokuta stadium reflected the fans’ passion and belief in Africa’s most successful women’s national team.
Aggregate Score: Nigeria 3–1 Benin Republic
Next Stop: 2026 WAFCON, Morocco
