2026 WAFCON Qualifier: Beninoire Amazons Hold Falcons In Abeokuta As Nigeria Secures Ticket

ABEOKUTA- Super Falcons of Nigeria have booked their qualification ticket to the 2026 Women’s African Nations Cup holding in Morocco, despite disappointing one- all draw in a return leg of the qualifier against Amazons of Benin Republic at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The reigning 10th times African champions had taken an early lead before the visitors drew level in the second half of the crucial encounter but Nigeria booked the ticket to WAFCON on 3-1 aggregate score-line , having won the first leg 2-0 in Lome, Togo.

Super Falcons of Nigeria lead the Amazons of Benin 1-0 thanks to an Ashleigh Plumptre headed goal.

Plumptre rises highest to meet an Esther Okoronkwo delivery into the box after 12 minutes to give Nigeria the lead in Abeokuta.

The Amazons midfielder, Yasminath Djibril leveled up for the visitors from a set piece in the 60th minutes.

The Super Falcons thus lead this 2026 WAFCON eliminator 3-1 on aggregate having won the first leg in Lome, Togo, at the weekend.

It was a solid display by the home team, who started Asisat Oshoala ahead of Mexico-based striker Chinwendu Ihezuo.

The Benin Republic handler, Abdoulaye Ouzerou, expressed satisfaction with the result of the match, saying the girls gave good account of themselves in the encounter.

Speaking at a post match conference, Ouzerou described his side’s clash against the Super Falcons of Nigeria as a valuable learning opportunity for his young squad, emphasizing that his players are still in the developmental stage.

He noted that his team is in a rebuilding phase, blending youthful talent from the U-17 and U-20 categories into the senior setup.

The Super Falcons Head Coach, Justin Madugu apologized for the draw, saying Nigeria fans are expectant of winning result.

Madugu said the Super Falcons are going to the WAFCON as defending champions, stressing that they would step up their game.