Nigeria’s Super Falcons have booked their place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after securing a 3–1 aggregate victory over neighbours Benin Republic.
The Falcons were held to a 1–1 draw by the Amazons of Benin in the second leg of their qualifier on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
However, their 2–0 away win in the first leg in Lome, Togo, courtesy of goals from Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo, proved decisive.
Defender Ashleigh Plumptre gave Nigeria the lead in the return leg, heading home from an Okoronkwo corner for her first goal since switching allegiance from England to Nigeria in 2017.
Benin’s Yasmine Djibril equalised in the 61st minute, but the Super Falcons held firm to see out the match and confirm their qualification.
The qualification marks another milestone for interim coach Justin Madugu and his team as they continue Nigeria’s proud record as Africa’s most successful women’s football nation.
The Falcons are 10-time WAFCON champions, having last lifted the trophy after a dramatic final win over hosts Morocco.
Next year’s WAFCON will be held in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026, and will also serve as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The top four teams at the tournament will earn automatic tickets to the World Cup, with two additional slots available through intercontinental playoffs
Nigeria, who have featured in every edition of the Women’s World Cup, reached the Round of 16 in 2023 before losing to eventual finalists England on penalties.
