Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the undisputed queens of African football, have successfully booked their ticket to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, navigating a potentially tricky qualifier against a determined Benin Republic side.
The nine-time African champions sealed their passage with a 3-1 aggregate victory, following a 1-1 draw in the return leg at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Tuesday.
Having established a commanding 2-0 lead from the first leg in Lome, courtesy of goals from Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo, the Falcons entered the home fixture needing only to avoid defeat to continue their legacy of appearing at every edition of the continental showpiece.
The match in Abeokuta provided a moment of historic significance for the team. Defender Ashleigh Plumptre, who switched her international allegiance from England to Nigeria in 2017, broke the deadlock with a powerful header from an Esther Okoronkwo corner, marking her long-awaited and emotional first goal for the Super Falcons. The goal seemed to set the stage for a comfortable victory, but the resilient Beninese side, known as the Amazons, had other plans.
They fought back valiantly, pulling a goal back in the 61st minute through Yasmine Djibril to set up a tense finale.
However, the experience and composure of Justin Madugu’s squad shone through as they managed the game effectively, ensuring the equalizer was merely a consolation and that their qualification was never truly in doubt.
With this hurdle cleared, the Super Falcons now turn their attention to defending their crown in Morocco between March 17 and April 3, 2026.
The tournament holds even greater significance as it will double as the African qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The semi-finalists will automatically earn a spot in the global tournament, with two additional African teams having a chance to qualify through intercontinental playoffs.
This prospect will fuel the Falcons’ ambition, especially after their impressive run to the Round of 16 at the 2023 World Cup, where they were narrowly eliminated by England on penalties.
As Africa’s most successful women’s football team with a record ten titles, the Falcons are not just going to Morocco to participate; they are heading there to reclaim their throne and secure their place on the world stage once more.
