Nigeria’s Super Falcons have secured a place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations following a 1-1 draw with the Amazons of Benin Republic at the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta, on Tuesday.
Super Falcons of Nigeria as the title holders won the final qualifying round tie 3-1 on aggregate.
The Super Falcons took the lead in the 12th minute through Al-Ittihad defender Ashleigh Plumptre, who powered home a header from Esther Okoronkwo’s brilliant corner.
Benin Republic equalised in the 61st minute through Yasminath Djibril.
Morocco will host the WAFCON 2026 finals from March 17 to April 3, 2026.
Nigeria now have the opportunity to not only defend their title in Morocco next year, but also aim for an 11th title in 14 championships, as well as a ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil.
The Super Falcons had secured a 2-0 win during the first leg in Lome, Togo, last Friday.
The Amazons turned out to be credible fighters against the African champions, as they approached the game with vigour, passion, and vibrancy, with the pacy and nimble-footed Dossi Germaine Honfo and Yenido Romaine Gandonou the lead orchestrators.
However, the Super Falcons were calm, collected and confident, forcing the Amazons to clear their lines after Captain Rasheedat Ajibade freed Asisat Oshoala as the Falcons surged forward in the 8th minute.
Five minutes later, Nigeria took the lead when defender Plumptre nodded firmly into the net from a corner by Esther Okoronkwo.
In the 23rd minute, Oshoala’s firm header from another Okoronkwo corner missed narrowly.
In the 34th minute, Michelle Alozie’s header proved a little above the crossbar from Oshoala’s cross.
In the second half, the Amazons began to pour forward, calling goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie into action in the 56th minute when she saved a fiery shot from Gandonou.
She had to stretch full length to push away a shot from 25 yards by Yolande Gnammi two minutes later.
The game turned into a real contest on the hour mark when Djibril struck the ball high and above Nnadozie into the net from a free-kick on the left, for the equalizer.
Substitute Joy Omewa and Ijamilusi combined in the 90th minute, but Alassane was up to the task.
