Plumptre scores first goal as Super Falcons secure WAFCON 2026 ticket

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have officially booked their spot at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following a determined 1–1 draw against Benin Republic in Abeokuta on Tuesday, sealing a 3–1 victory on aggregate.

The encounter at the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena proved more competitive than many anticipated. Benin Republic showed resilience and put up a strong fight, refusing to make things easy for the nine-time African champions.

Despite the pressure, the Super Falcons remained composed and relied on their superior experience and quality to avoid any late upset.

Coach Justine Madugu made only one change from the first-leg lineup, with Afolabi marshaling the midfield, while Asisat Oshoala was elected to lead the attack.

Nigeria started confidently and took control of possession early, pressing Benin high and forcing mistakes in their own half.

Their patience paid off in the 12th minute through when defender Ashleigh Plumptre rose highest to meet Esther Okoronkwo’s precise cross, heading powerfully past the Benin goalkeeper.

The goal, Plumptre’s first since returning from injury, gave the Falcons a 3–0 aggregate cushion and seemed to settle nerves around the ground.

But Benin, who showed flashes of resilience in the first leg, refused to fold. They fought back bravely and found an equaliser on the hour mark after a moment of defensive lapse from Nigeria’s backline. That goal, however, was not enough to threaten the Falcons’ overall control of the tie.

The rest of the game saw Nigeria manage possession with maturity. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade dictated tempo from
midfield, while Oshoala and Okoronkwo kept Benin’s defenders occupied with their movement up front.

Chiamaka Nnadozie made key saves to preserve the draw as the Falcons calmly saw out the remaining minutes.

The result means Nigeria advances to the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco, where they will defend the title they won earlier in the year.

The qualification also extends the team’s impressive record as the only nation to appear in every edition of the tournament since its inception.