The Super Falcons of Nigeria have sealed their spot in next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after overcoming the Amazons of Benin Republic with a 3–1 aggregate triumph.
The 10-time African champions displayed dominance in the two-legged qualifier, claiming a 2–0 win in the first leg held in Lome, Togo, before settling for a 1–1 draw in the return fixture at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Tuesday.
Okay News reports that the Abeokuta encounter witnessed a lively atmosphere as the Nigerian side maintained control for most of the game. Defender Ashleigh Plumptre opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a powerful header from Esther Okoronkwo’s precise cross — marking her first-ever goal for the national team.
However, Benin Republic managed to pull one back in the 80th minute after a lapse in concentration in the Nigerian defence. Despite late pressure from the visitors, the Falcons held their ground to secure the crucial result.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade missed a golden opportunity to extend the lead shortly before Benin’s equaliser, but the team’s resilience and composure ensured qualification was never in doubt.
The match highlighted the growing competitiveness of women’s football in Africa as Benin, parading several foreign-based players, pushed the Nigerian side to the limit.
With the victory, Nigeria now advances to defend its continental title at the upcoming WAFCON tournament.
