Despite securing the berth, Nigeria show areas to improve as they prepare to defend their title.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have once again stamped their authority on the African women’s game; securing qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after holding the Benin Republic Amazons to a 1-1 draw in Abeokuta and winning the tie 3-1 on aggregate. With the result, the Falcons maintain their perfect record of reaching every edition of the tournament and reaffirm their status as continental heavyweights.
From Kickoff to Final Whistle
The tie was set up by Nigeria’s dominant first-leg performance in Lomé, Togo, where the Falcons triumphed 2-0 thanks to goals by Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo.
In the return leg at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, Nigeria drew 1-1 with Benin. Benin responded through Yasmine Djibril in the 61st minute, but the Falcons held on, showing experience and composure as they brought the aggregate score to 3-1.
Stats
Aggregate score: Nigeria 3 – 1 Benin.
First leg (Lomé): Nigeria 2 – 0 Benin (Goals: Ihezuo, Okoronkwo)
Second leg (Abeokuta): Nigeria 1 – 1 Benin (Goal: Plumptre; Benin: Djibril)
Plumptre’s goal: her first international goal for Nigeria since switching allegiance.
The 2026 WAFCON is slated for 17 March – 3 April 2026 in Morocco.
The Decisive Moment
The key turning point came early in the home leg: Plumptre’s header in the 12th minute gave Nigeria the cushion they needed. While the Falcons did not dominate the second leg as they did in Lomé, that early strike and the aggregate lead allowed them to absorb pressure from the Amazons later in the tie. The draw at home, although not entirely convincing, was enough. The first-leg win laid the groundwork; the second leg closed the deal with grit.
What This Means for Both Teams
For Nigeria: By booking their place in the 2026 WAFCON, the Super Falcons extend their unbeaten record of qualification and will arrive in Morocco as defending champions seeking an 11th continental title. The result confirms their position at the pinnacle of African women’s football and gives them a launchpad toward the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Since WAFCON also serves as Africa’s World Cup qualification route.
For Benin: Although the Amazons failed to progress, forcing the Falcons to draw at home signals progress. Their equaliser in Abeokuta reflects growing belief and improvement. While tournament qualification eluded them, the experience gained, especially playing a powerhouse like Nigeria should serve as a springboard.
Reaction and What’s Next
Head coach Justine Madugu admitted that the performance in the second leg did not meet the standard expected but praised his players for achieving the fundamental objective of qualification. “We knew it was going to be a tough game… this is a wake-up call,” he remarked. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade also reflected on the campaign: “We must maintain focus… stronger challenges await.”
Looking Ahead
Nigeria must now shift attention to the 2026 WAFCON; refining their squad, building depth and sharpening their consistency if they are to defend their title. Benin, meanwhile, will regroup and look ahead to future qualifiers, using the tie as a benchmark.
Stay with Hot Sports Scoops for exclusive Nigerian-focused sports coverage — home and abroad.