Despite being held to a 1-1 draw by the Benin Republic in Abeokuta on Tuesday, 10-time African champions Nigeria booked their place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco with a 3-1 aggregate victory.
Defender Ashley Plumptre opened the scoring in the 13th minute with her first goal for Nigeria, but the hosts were pegged back in the second half when Yasminath Djibril equalised for the visitors.
The Super Falcons had established a 2-0 advantage from the first leg in Lome, Togo, last Friday, and that cushion proved enough to see them through despite a spirited display from the Amazons in Abeokuta.
Playing before a packed crowd in the Ogun State capital — their first home match since clinching a record 10th WAFCON title — the Falcons started brightly and dominated early exchanges. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade created the first real opening in the 8th minute, setting up Asisat Oshoala, but the Benin defence scrambled clear.
Five minutes later, Nigeria’s pressure paid off when Plumptre rose highest to nod home Esther Okoronkwo’s corner for the opener.
The Falcons continued to press for a second goal, with Oshoala heading narrowly wide in the 23rd minute, while Michelle Alozie went close with another header before halftime. Okoronkwo also came close from a free-kick shortly before the break.
After the restart, the Benin Amazons came out fighting, forcing Chiamaka Nnadozie into a string of fine saves — first denying Yenido Romaine Gandonou and then tipping away a long-range effort from Yolande Gnammi.
Their persistence was rewarded on the hour mark when Djibril equalised with a superb free-kick that sailed over Nnadozie and into the top corner.
Nigeria had several chances to restore their lead, Folashade Ijamilusi failed to convert after a fumble from goalkeeper Sourakatou Alassane, while Ajibade saw her shot saved in the 77th minute.
Substitute Joy Omewa also combined well with Ijamilusi late on, but Alassane held firm to keep the score level.
Despite the draw, the Falcons’ aggregate win secured their qualification for next year’s tournament in Morocco, where they will seek an 11th continental title and a spot at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.