SUPER FALCONS QUALIFY FOR 2026 WAFCON AFTER 3-1 AGGREGATE WIN OVER BENIN REPUBLIC
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Nigeria’s senior women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, have secured qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after defeating Benin Republic 3–1 on aggregate.
The Falcons played out a 1–1 draw against the Amazons of Benin Republic in the second leg of their qualifier at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Tuesday.
Having already triumphed 2–0 in the first leg in Lome, Togo—courtesy of goals from Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo—the team did just enough to book their spot in the continental showpiece.
Defender Ashleigh Plumptre opened the scoring for Nigeria with a superb header from Okoronkwo’s corner kick, marking her first-ever goal for the Super Falcons since switching allegiance from England in 2017.
The Beninoise side equalised in the 61st minute through Yasmine Djibril, but it proved too little too late as Coach Justin Madugu’s team held firm to maintain their aggregate advantage.
The qualification means Nigeria will defend their dominance on the African stage at the next WAFCON, scheduled to hold in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026.
Nigeria are 10-time champions of the tournament, having lifted the trophy in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2022, the last following a dramatic win over hosts Morocco.
The 2026 WAFCON will also serve as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the semi-finalists earning automatic tickets, while two additional teams will progress via intercontinental playoffs.
The Super Falcons have featured in all editions of the Women’s World Cup, most recently reaching the Round of 16 at the 2023 tournament, where they bowed out to eventual finalists England on penalties.
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