Super Falcons Edge Benin Republic’s Amazons To Qualify For 2026 Women’s AFCON

African champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons have secured their place in next year’s Women Africa Cup of Nations following a 1-1 draw against their counterparts from the Benin Republic in the return leg of the final round of the qualification series in Abeokuta yesterday, resulting in an aggregate victory of 3-1 for the ten-time champions.

The Amazons proved to be formidable opponents at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, approaching the match with vigour, passion, and energy, with the quick and agile Dossi Germaine Honfo and Yenido Romaine Gandonou as the key orchestrators.

However, the Super Falcons remained calm, composed, and confident. The Amazons’ defence had to work hard to clear their lines after Captain Rasheedat Ajibade released Asisat Oshoala as the Falcons surged forward in the 8th minute.

Five minutes later, it came as no surprise when they found the back of the net, with defender Ashley Plumptre heading firmly home from a corner taken by Esther Okoronkwo.

In the 23rd minute, Oshoala’s powerful header from another Okoronkwo corner missed narrowly, and in the 34th minute, Michelle Alozie’s header just sailed over the bar from Oshoala’s cross. There was still time for Okoronkwo to hit the side-netting from a free-kick with four minutes remaining in the first half.

The Amazons began to press forward in the 56th minute when Chiamaka Nnadozie made a save from Gandonou and then had to stretch fully to deflect a shot from 25 yards out by Yolande Gnammi two minutes later.

The match turned into a genuine contest on the hour mark when Yasminath Djibril struck the ball high over Nnadozie into the net from a free-kick on the left, equalising the score.

Nigeria had opportunities to increase their lead, with Folashade Ijamilusi missing from close range after goalkeeper Sourakatou Alassane uncharacteristically dropped the ball, and Alassane also saved from Ajibade in the 77th minute. Substitute Joy Omewa and Ijamilusi combined in the 90th minute, but Alassane was equal to the task.

This qualification means Nigeria have the chance not only to defend their title in Morocco next year but also to aim for an 11th title in 14 championships, along with a ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil.