The Super Falcons of Nigeria on Tuesday booked their place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco after playing a 1–1 draw against Benin Republic in the return leg of their qualifying fixture at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta.
Defender Ashleigh Plumptre gave Nigeria an early lead in the 11th minute, heading home from a corner kick.
The goal deepened Benin’s troubles, as they had earlier lost the first leg 0–2 in Lome.
Benin, however, came back stronger in the second half and were rewarded in the 61st minute when Yasminath Djibril struck a powerful free kick past Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie to level the score.
The match saw injury setbacks for the Falcons as Deborah Abiodun and Esther Okoronkwo were both forced off the pitch after sustaining knocks.
Speaking after the game, Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu admitted the team underperformed but expressed satisfaction with the qualification outcome.
“It wasn’t the performance we wanted, but we expected a tough match.
“There can be off days, and today was one of them.
“The most important thing is that we got the result needed to qualify,” Madugu said.
Nigeria, a record 10-time African champion, will now turn their focus to the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco, where they will aim to extend their dominance by winning an 11th continental title.
