Nigeria’s Super Falcons have booked their ticket to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) despite being held to a 1–1 draw by Benin Republic in the return leg of their qualifier on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.
The Falcons, who had earned a commanding 2–0 advantage from the first leg in Cotonou, advanced 3–1 on aggregate after a tense home performance that saw flashes of brilliance and moments of defensive frailty.
Defender Ashleigh Plumptre opened the scoring for Nigeria in the first half, rising highest to nod home Esther Okoronkwo’s well-delivered corner, giving the home side a deserved lead. The goal was a display of power and precision — Plumptre’s first competitive strike since returning to the squad after a brief injury layoff.
However, the visitors drew level in the 61st minute, capitalizing on a moment of slack defending by the Falcons’ backline. Despite several late opportunities, the nine-time African champions failed to restore their lead, much to the frustration of the home crowd.
Head coach Randy Waldrum praised his players’ resilience but admitted the performance left room for improvement. “We’re happy to have qualified, but we must be more clinical in front of goal and more compact defensively,” he said after the match.
Despite the stalemate, Nigeria’s progression means the Super Falcons remain on course to defend their continental pedigree and chase a record-extending tenth WAFCON title in Morocco next year.
