Super Falcons of Nigeria
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have secured qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) slated for Morocco, after battling to a 1–1 draw with Benin Republic in the return leg of their qualifier at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Tuesday.
Defender Ashleigh Plumptre opened scoring for the nine-time African champions in the 11th minute, nodding home from a well-taken corner kick to extend Nigeria’s aggregate lead. The goal added to Benin’s troubles after the Super Falcons had claimed a 2–0 victory in the first leg played in Lome.
The Beninoise side, however, came back stronger after the break and found the equalizer in the 61st minute through Yasminath Djibril, who fired a stunning free kick past Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The encounter also saw some worrying moments for the Nigerian camp as Deborah Abiodun and Esther Okoronkwo both picked up injuries and were substituted.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu admitted that his team did not perform at their best but expressed relief that the qualification objective was achieved.
“In terms of results, sometimes there can be off days, there can be bad days, and we want to consider today’s match from this perspective,” Madugu said.
“The performance is not what we need, but we expected it. It didn’t come so much as a surprise because even at the press conference yesterday, we knew it was going to be a tough game.”
With the qualification sealed, the Super Falcons — ten-time African champions — will now shift focus to the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco, where they aim to extend their record and clinch an eleventh continental title.
