Nigeria’s Super Falcons have booked their spot at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco after a gritty 1–1 draw against the Benin Republic in Abeokuta, sealing a 3–1 aggregate victory.
The decisive second-leg clash at the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena proved more challenging than anticipated, as Benin pushed the African champions to work hard for qualification.
Despite the pressure, the Falcons’ experience and composure ensured there were no late surprises on their return to home soil.
Coach Justine Madugu made just one change from the first leg, bringing Afolabi into midfield while Asisat Oshoala led the attack.
Nigeria began confidently, dominating possession and pressing high up the pitch. Their early pressure paid off in the 12th minute when defender Ashleigh Plumptre powered home a header from Esther Okoronkwo’s pinpoint cross her first goal since returning from injury.
The strike extended Nigeria’s aggregate lead to 3–0, easing early nerves among the home supporters.
Benin, however, showed determination and were rewarded with an equaliser on the hour mark after a brief lapse in Nigeria’s defence. Though spirited, the goal did little to shift the overall balance, as the Falcons retained firm control.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade orchestrated play from midfield, while Oshoala and Okoronkwo kept the Beninese defence busy with their sharp movement. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie made key interventions late on to preserve the draw.
The result means Nigeria will defend their continental crown in Morocco, maintaining their unrivaled record as the only nation to have qualified for every WAFCON since the tournament’s inception.
