The Super Falcons of Nigeria have booked their place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) despite being held to a 1–1 draw by Benin Republic in the second leg of their qualifying tie at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Tuesday.
The result sees Nigeria advance 3–1 on aggregate, following their 2–0 first-leg victory in Lomé, Togo.
Plumptre Opens Her Super Falcons Account
Ashleigh Plumptre marked her 25th international cap with her first-ever goal for the Super Falcons, heading home in the 12th minute to give Nigeria an early lead.
The defender rose highest to meet Esther Okoronkwo’s well-placed corner and powered her effort beyond the Benin goalkeeper to open the scoring.
It was a strong start from the Falcons, who dominated possession and dictated the tempo from the outset. Asisat Oshoala led the line with purpose, while Okoronkwo and Deborah Abiodun controlled the midfield before both were forced off later with injuries.
Benin Equalize in Second Half
After a dominant first-half display, the Super Falcons were pegged back when Yasminath Djibril equalized for Benin in the 61st minute, reacting fastest to a loose ball from a set-piece.
Nigeria pushed for a winner through Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade, who missed a good chance late on, but the visitors held firm to earn a share of the spoils.
Despite the 1–1 result, the Falcons two-goal advantage from the first leg was enough to confirm their qualification for WAFCON 2026 in Morocco.
Injury Concerns for the Falcons
Head coach Justin Madugu faces injury worries ahead of AFCON preparations, with both Esther Okoronkwo and Deborah Abiodun limping off during the second half. Both players played crucial roles in Nigeria’s qualification campaign and will be assessed by the medical team in the coming days.
Match Stats
• Ball Possession: Nigeria 57% – 43% Benin
• Corner Kicks: Nigeria 5 – 4 Benin
• Shots on Target: Nigeria 4 – 4 Benin
• Fouls: Nigeria 9 – 9 Benin
• Free Kicks: Nigeria 9 – 9 Benin
• Yellow Cards: Nigeria 0 – 2 Benin
What’s Next
With a 3–1 aggregate victory, Nigeria have secured their spot at WAFCON 2026, where they will look to defend their crown as 10-time African champions.
The tournament will take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 13, 2026, and the Super Falcons of Nigeria will head in as one of the top favorites to lift the trophy once again.
