United in Spirit! Super Eagles inspire Falcons to beat Benin, secure 2026 WAFCON spot

Nigeria's Super Falcons have officially qualified to defend their continental crown at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after overcoming Benin's Amazons 3-1 on aggregate.

The ten-time African champions entered the second leg of the qualifier with a comfortable 2-0 lead from the first match in Lome, Togo. However, they were held to a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the return fixture today in Abeokuta.

Playing in front of a packed MKO Abiola Stadium, the Super Falcons took an early lead when Ashleigh Plumptre scored her first international goal.

The defender connected with a precise delivery from Esther Okoronkwo, heading the ball past the Benin defence in the 12th minute.

Despite Nigeria's early advantage, Benin, featuring ten overseas-based professionals, refused to be intimidated. They put up a spirited fight, matching the home side's intensity throughout the match.

Their persistence paid off late in the game when they found an equaliser in the 80th minute. The goal came shortly after Nigeria's captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, missed a significant opportunity to extend her team's lead.

The draw was enough to see the Super Falcons through, but the result highlighted the competitive spirit of a determined Benin side.

Nevertheless, their victory may have stemmed from the recent Super Eagles' 4-0 triumph over Benin in the World Cup qualifiers earlier this month in Uyo.