Super Falcons qualify for 2026 WAFCON after draw with Benin
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have officially booked their place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after securing a 1-1 draw against the Republic of Benin on Tuesday evening at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta. The result earned the reigning African champions a 3-1 aggregate victory over two legs. Ashleigh Plumptre, returning to […]
Super Falcons qualify for 2026 WAFCON after draw with Benin
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have officially booked their place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after securing a 1-1 draw against the Republic of Benin on Tuesday evening at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta. The result earned the reigning African champions a 3-1 aggregate victory over two legs.
Ashleigh Plumptre, returning to the squad with a commanding performance, scored her first international goal for Nigeria in the 12th minute. Rising highest from a well-taken corner by Esther Okoronkwo, the defender powered home a header to give the Super Falcons an early advantage and set the tone for the encounter.
Nigeria dominated the first half, controlling possession and keeping Benin pinned in their own half. Their fluid attacking play and defensive solidity ensured they went into the break with a deserved lead. However, the visitors came out stronger in the second half, showing greater urgency and determination.
Benin’s persistence paid off ten minutes from time when they found the equaliser, slotting past goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie to make it 1-1. Despite the setback, the Falcons remained composed, managing the game effectively to protect their aggregate lead and confirm qualification in front of their home supporters.
The draw followed Nigeria’s 2-0 first-leg win in Cotonou, courtesy of goals from Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo. With a 3-1 aggregate triumph, the Super Falcons advanced to the 14th edition of WAFCON, set to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026.
Nigeria, ten-time African champions, have remarkably qualified for every edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations since its inception, never failing to reach at least the semi-finals. They now join hosts Morocco as the first teams confirmed for next year’s tournament.