Nigeria’s Super Falcons have sealed qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a 3–1 aggregate triumph over neighbouring country, Benin Republic.

The nine-time African champions were held to a 1–1 draw by the Amazons of Benin in the second leg of their qualifier on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State. However, their earlier 2–0 victory in Lome—thanks to goals from Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo—was enough to secure their passage to Morocco 2026.

Defender Ashleigh Plumptre opened the scoring in Abeokuta, heading home from Okoronkwo’s corner for her first international goal since switching allegiance from England to Nigeria in 2017. Benin’s Yasmine Djibril equalised in the 61st minute, but the Super Falcons held firm to close out the tie comfortably.

Head coach Justin Madugu’s side will now aim to defend Nigeria’s dominance at the continental stage. The Super Falcons are the most successful team in WAFCON history, having lifted the trophy a record 10 times—1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018.

The next edition of the Women’s AFCON will be held in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026. It will also serve as a qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with semi-finalists earning automatic tickets.

Nigeria, ever-present at the global showpiece, reached the Round of 16 at the 2023 World Cup before bowing out to eventual finalists England on penalties.