Nigeria’s Super Falcons have booked their place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after completing a 3–1 aggregate victory over Benin Republic, Soccernet.ng reports.
After winning the first leg 2–0 in Lome last week through goals from Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo, the Falcons did enough in the return fixture at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Tuesday to ensure safe passage to Morocco 2026.
The highlight of the evening came in the 12th minute when defender Ashleigh Plumptre rose highest to head home Okoronkwo’s inch-perfect corner, her first-ever goal for Nigeria. The Al-Ittihad star’s breakthrough moment drew huge cheers from the home fans and capped a bright start that reflected the Falcons’ early dominance.
Despite a flurry of chances, Nigeria couldn’t build on their lead before half-time.
Coach Justine Madugu’s side showed composure in possession and intent in attack, but Benin defended with admirable discipline, making clear they were not in Abeokuta merely to make up the numbers.
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Benin fight back but Nigeria’s record march continues
The visitors found a way back into the game in the 61st minute when Yasminath Djibril curled in a brilliant free-kick to beat goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and level the score at 1–1. It was a goal that stunned the home crowd and served as a reminder that the smaller West African side continues to make strides in the women’s game.
Still, the equaliser did little to change the larger picture.
With a two-goal advantage from the first leg, Nigeria kept control of the tie and saw out the remaining minutes with measured calmness.
The result means Nigeria, ten-time African champions, will feature in the 14th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, set for Morocco in 2026.
Remarkably, the Super Falcons have qualified for every single tournament since its inception, winning ten titles and never failing to reach at least the semi-finals.
They now join hosts Morocco as the first teams to book their places at next year’s finals.
