The Super Falcons have qualified for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after holding Benin Republic to a 1–1 draw in Abuja on Tuesday to seal a 3–1 aggregate win.
Nigeria, who won the first leg 2–0 away last week, made their intent clear early on at the MKO Abiola National Stadium as Esther Okoronkwo and Asisat Oshoala combined to stretch the visitors’ backline.
The breakthrough came in the 13th minute when defender Ashley Plumptre climbed highest to nod home Okoronkwo’s corner.
Oshoala and Michelle Alozie both came close before the break, while Okoronkwo smashed the side-netting from a free kick in the 41st minute.
Benin, however, turned on some urgency after the restart. Chiamaka Nnadozie was compelled to pull off back-to-back saves before Yasminath Djibril stunned the home crowd with a lofted free-kick equaliser on the hour.
Nigeria could have restored the lead late on. Folashade Ijamilusi failed to score into an open net after Beninese goalkeeper Sourakatou Alassane spilled the ball, before the goalkeeper denied captain Rasheedat Ajibade in the 77th minute.
Joy Omewa also combined with Ijamilusi in stoppage time but Alassane smothered the effort.
The ticket means the nine-time African queens will defend their crown in Morocco and chase an unprecedented 11th title in 14 editions — a campaign that also serves as a qualifying route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
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