Despite being held to a 1–1 draw by the Benin Republic in Abeokuta on Tuesday, Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco with a 3–1 aggregate victory, The PUNCH reports.
Defender Ashley Plumptre opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 13th minute with her first-ever goal for the national team, but Yasminath Djibril equalised for the visitors in the second half.
The 10-time African champions had earned a comfortable 2–0 first-leg win in Lomé, Togo, last Friday a result that ultimately ensured their passage to next year’s continental showpiece despite Tuesday’s draw.
Packed Abeokuta Crowd
Playing at home for the first time since their 10th WAFCON triumph, the Super Falcons were cheered on by a packed crowd at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, where they also held pre-tournament preparations for their previous continental success.
The Beninese side, nicknamed the Amazons, proved resilient and energetic, with Dossi Germaine Honfo and Yenido Romaine Gandonou leading several counterattacks that tested the Nigerian defence.
However, the Falcons showed composure and control throughout much of the first half. In the 8th minute, Rasheedat Ajibade set up Asisat Oshoala, forcing the visitors to clear their lines before Plumptre broke the deadlock five minutes later with a firm header from Esther Okoronkwo’s corner kick.
Missed Chances and Equalizer
Nigeria came close to extending the lead several times Oshoala’s header in the 23rd minute went narrowly wide, while Michelle Alozie’s effort in the 34th minute missed the target. Okoronkwo also hit the side netting from a free-kick just before halftime.
After the break, Benin mounted sustained pressure. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was called into action twice in quick succession first denying Gandonou and then parrying away Yolande Gnammi’s long-range strike.
The visitors were rewarded on the hour mark when Djibril curled a free-kick beyond Nnadozie to level the score at 1–1.
Nigeria Advance, Eye 11th Title
Despite late chances for Folashade Ijamilusi, Joy Omewa, and Ajibade, the Falcons could not find a winner.
With qualification sealed, Nigeria will now focus on defending their title in Morocco 2026, where they aim for an unprecedented 11th WAFCON crown and a spot at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.