The Super Falcons of Nigeria has qualified for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after securing a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in Abeokuta, with a 3-1 aggregate.
The Falcons, already a 10-Time WAFCON winner, secured their spot in the 2026 WAFCON with the mission of extending their winnings to 11.
The breakthrough came at the 12th minute, when Midfielder, Esther Okoronkwo played in a massive corner-kick from the right, and defender Ashleigh Plumptre headed the ball into the top corner of the net.
The goal was Plumptre’s first international goal, her first in 45 caps, and she ran to meet her team mates in jubilation.
Based on Ashleigh Plumptre’s post on Facebook, she said, “I’ve dreamed of this moment since I was a kid… scoring for my country Nigeria.
“To finally see it happen today in Abeokuta, in front of our amazing fans, is a feeling I’ll never forget.
“It ended 1–1 against Benin Republic, but we did enough to qualify on aggregate.
“Proud, thankful, and motivated to keep giving everything for the badge.
“I love Nigeria”, she added.
Benin came stronger in the second half, and were able to score, balancing the goals with a draw. They tried many goals on target, but all thanks to our goalkeeper, Chiamaka, the Paris-FC goalkeeper, who made a stop to their targets.
Based on Captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s comments on the Red carpet after the match, she praised Chiamaka saying: “Chichi [Nnadozie] is our rock,” She kept us in it when Benin came fighting”.
With the clock ticking into stoppage time, the Super Falcons pushed for a winner, but Benin’s keeper stood tall, punching away Deborah Abiodun free-kick in the 93rd minute.
The final whistle brought jubilation among the Nigerian bench and fans, with a qualification sealed, unbeaten in 19 WAFCON qualifiers- a good record kept since the tournament.
