Ten-time African champions Nigeria booked their place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after playing out a 1-1 draw with Benin Republic in Abeokuta on Tuesday, securing a 3-1 aggregate victory, The PUNCH reports.
Defender Ashley Plumptre opened the scoring in the 13th minute with her first goal for Nigeria, heading home from an Esther Okoronkwo corner. However, Yasminath Djibril equalised for the visitors midway through the second half to deny the hosts a home win.
The Super Falcons had done most of the work in the first leg, earning a 2-0 victory in Lomé, Togo, last Friday — a result that ultimately ensured their qualification despite Benin’s spirited performance in Abeokuta.
Playing in front of a lively crowd in the Ogun State capital — their first home outing since lifting a record 10th WAFCON title — the Falcons were the early aggressors. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade nearly set up Asisat Oshoala for the opener in the eighth minute before Plumptre’s well-timed header gave Nigeria the lead five minutes later.
Oshoala came close again in the 23rd minute with a powerful header that went narrowly wide, while Michelle Alozie’s attempt in the 34th minute sailed just over the bar. Okoronkwo also went close before halftime, striking the side netting from a free kick.
Benin came out fighting after the break, forcing Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie into two fine saves — first from Yenido Romaine Gandonou and then from a long-range strike by Yolande Gnammi. Their persistence paid off in the 60th minute when Djibril fired in a superb free kick to level the score.
Nigeria had further chances to restore their lead, with Folashade Ijamilusi failing to convert after a handling error by Benin goalkeeper Sourakatou Alassane, who later denied Ajibade and substitute Joy Omewa in quick succession.
Despite the draw, the Super Falcons comfortably advanced to the 2026 WAFCON, where they will seek an 11th continental crown and one of Africa’s qualification slots for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
