Nigeria’s Tremendous Falcons are by means of to the 2026 Girls’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a hard-fought 1–1 draw with Benin Republic in Abeokuta on Tuesday, sealing a 3–1 combination victory to e book their place in Morocco.
The match on the Moshood Abiola Sports activities Enviornment was extra tense than anticipated.
The guests gave the African champions a correct take a look at, however the Falcons’ high quality and composure ensured there was no late drama to spoil their return to residence soil.
Coach Justine Madugu made just one change from the first-leg lineup, with Afolabi marshaling the midfield, whereas Asisat Oshoala was elected to guide the assault.
Nigeria began confidently and took management of possession early, urgent Benin excessive and forcing errors in their very own half.
Their endurance paid off within the twelfth minute by means of when defender Ashleigh Plumptre rose highest to fulfill Esther Okoronkwo’s exact cross, heading powerfully previous the Benin goalkeeper.
The purpose, Plumptre’s first since coming back from damage, gave the Falcons a 3–0 combination cushion and appeared to settle nerves across the floor.
However Benin, who confirmed flashes of resilience within the first leg, refused to fold. They fought again bravely and located an equaliser on the hour mark after a second of defensive lapse from Nigeria’s backline. That purpose, nevertheless, was not sufficient to threaten the Falcons’ total management of the tie.
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The remainder of the sport noticed Nigeria handle possession with maturity. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade dictated tempo from
midfield, whereas Oshoala and Okoronkwo saved Benin’s defenders occupied with their motion up entrance.
Chiamaka Nnadozie made key saves to protect the draw because the Falcons calmly noticed out the remaining minutes.
The outcome means Nigeria advances to the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco, the place they may defend the title they received earlier within the 12 months.
The qualification additionally extends the crew’s spectacular report as the one nation to look in each version of the match since its inception.
