Super Falcons Soar Past Benin To Book 2026 WAFCON Spot
By AUGUSTUS ISICHEI
NIGERIA’S Super Falcons have booked their place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after defeating Benin Republic 3–1 on aggregate.
The Falcons settled for a 1–1 draw against the Amazons of Benin in the second leg of their qualifier on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, but their earlier 2–0 away win in Lome—courtesy of Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo—secured their qualification.
Defender Ashleigh Plumptre opened scoring with a powerful header from Okoronkwo’s corner, marking her first goal for Nigeria since switching allegiance from England. Benin equalised in the 61st minute through Yasmine Djibril, but the visitors couldn’t overturn the deficit.
The result sends Coach Justin Madugu’s side through to next year’s WAFCON in Morocco, where they’ll aim to extend their dominance in African women’s football.
Nigeria, 11-time champions and defending titleholders, will also use the tournament as a pathway to the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with semi-finalists guaranteed automatic qualification.
