The Super Falcons of Nigeria have officially booked their place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, advancing 3–1 on aggregate after being held to a 1–1 draw by the Benin Republic at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta on Tuesday.
The result ensures that the 10-time African champions will defend their crown next year, with an eye on an 11th continental title and a ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
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Ashleigh Plumptre Scores First-Ever Super Falcons Goal
Nigeria entered the tie with a comfortable 2–0 first-leg advantage from last Friday’s win in Lome, but the Beninese Amazons approached the return leg with renewed determination.
The away side displayed vigour, passion, and vibrancy through the pacy duo of Dossi Germaine Honfo and Yenido Romaine Gandonou.
However, the Super Falcons maintained their composure early on, forcing the visitors’ defence into action after Captain Rasheedat Ajibade freed Asisat Oshoala in the eighth minute.
Their persistence paid off just five minutes later. Defender Ashley Plumptre rose highest to nod firmly into the net from an Esther Okoronkwo corner, her first-ever goal for Nigeria and giving the hosts a 1–0 lead.
Oshoala nearly doubled the advantage in the 23rd minute with a firm header that missed narrowly, while Michelle Alozie’s 34th-minute effort also flew just above the crossbar.
Four minutes before halftime, Okoronkwo’s curling free-kick hit the side netting as Nigeria continued to press.
Benin Republic Fights back and Equalizes
The Amazons returned from the break with greater intensity, launching waves of attacks that tested goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
In the 56th minute, the Paris FC shot-stopper denied Gandonou, and two minutes later, she had to stretch full length to parry a powerful 25-yard strike from Yolande Gnammi.
The visitors’ pressure eventually paid off on the hour mark when Yasminath Djibril fired a stunning free-kick high over Nnadozie to level the scores at 1–1.
The goal injected new life into the contest, as the Beninese pressed for a shock result, while the Falcons sought to regain control.
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Super Falcons Hold On to Seal Qualification
Nigeria had several chances to restore their lead. In the 72nd minute, substitute Folashade Ijamilusi missed from close range after Benin goalkeeper Sourakatou Alassane failed to hold on to a cross.
Alassane later made amends, saving bravely from Ajibade in the 77th minute. In stoppage time, debutant Joy Omewa and Folashade Ijamilusi combined in a swift move, but Alassane once again came to Benin’s rescue with a timely save.
The Super Falcons held on to secure a 1–1 draw, completing a 3–1 aggregate victory to advance to the 2026 WAFCON finals in Morocco.
Super Falcons have Qualified for All WAFCON Editions
The qualification marks another milestone for the Super Falcons, who have now reached every edition of the WAFCON since its inception in 1991.
Their 2026 campaign will not only aim for another continental triumph but also serve as a crucial pathway toward securing a spot at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Playing in Abeokuta for the first time since preparing for their 10th WAFCON title in 2024, where they had the first-leg of their friendly match against Algeria October last year, the Falcons were cheered on by a packed crowd that celebrated their passage to Morocco and recent WAFCON successful campaign.
