In Abeokuta on Tuesday night, the Tremendous Falcons prolonged their continental supremacy as soon as once more, clinching qualification for the 2026 Africa Girls’s Cup of Nations in Morocco with a 3–1 combination victory over the Benin Amazons.
However whereas the scoreboard confirmed the goal was met, the efficiency left captain Rasheedat Ajibade looking for sharper edges.
Nigeria had been held to a 1–1 draw within the second leg, which felt remarkably underwhelming for a workforce that dominated the primary leg 2–0 in Lomé, Togo, final Friday.
Nonetheless, mission achieved: the African champions, who secured a document tenth WAFCON crown earlier this 12 months, can be in Morocco to defend their title and chase historical past but once more.
A nervy night in Abeokuta
The Tremendous Falcons drew first blood early. Within the thirteenth minute, defender Ashley Plumptre rose above the pack to crash residence a header from an Esther Okoronkwo nook, the kind of set-piece ruthlessness that has outlined Nigeria’s golden period.
However as a substitute of folding, Benin stayed cussed. On the hour mark, Yasminath Djibril pounced from shut vary to punish defensive hesitation and degree the match.
The Amazons celebrated wildly, not for qualification, which had already slipped past attain, however for a symbolic assertion in opposition to Africa’s giants.
Nigeria’s fluency dipped, and the sport tugged into stress. But, the foundations laid in Lomé ensured there could be no dramatic upset, a 3–1 combination that punched the ticket to Morocco with out demanding Tremendous Falcons perfection.
Ajibade: “We all know our commonplace”
After the draw, captain Rasheedat Ajibade didn’t sugar-coat the efficiency. The PSG ahead acknowledged the workforce fell beneath their regular heights, however pushed again on claims of complacency:
“We weren’t overconfident as a result of we anticipated this from them. Once we went to Lome to play in opposition to them, we noticed what occurred within the second half, they usually got here all out. So, we anticipated them to do the identical right here as a result of they don’t have anything to lose.”
Requirements matter for a nation drenched in soccer pedigree, even in qualification.
“They may as nicely know {that a} draw right here could be large for them, you see how they celebrated that, however it’s left to us to not let down our guard, and we maintain competing on the highest degree as a result of we all know our commonplace.”
Her last verdict was equal components fact and problem:
“We simply should push ourselves and be higher. It wasn’t the most effective of our efficiency, however it’s good to be taught and deal with the following sport.”
Phrases that echo like marching orders.
2026: A Match with world penalties
Past continental bragging rights, WAFCON 2026 carries world weight. The event doubles as Africa’s pathway to the 2027 FIFA Girls’s World Cup in Brazil, a stage the place the Tremendous Falcons have traditionally carried the continent’s pleasure.
Qualification is the first step. Dominance is the aim.
A private triumph for the Captain
Off the pitch, Ajibade walked away with greater than a ticket to Morocco. The ahead was introduced the 2024 Nigeria Pitch Award for the nation’s Finest Feminine Footballer; recognition of a 12 months the place her management matured, her efficiency sharpened, and her affect deepened.
Her message was emotional and symbolic:
“Particular because of God Almighty for this unbelievable honour. 2024 was actually a outstanding 12 months, one stuffed with challenges and unforgettable moments which have formed me on and off the pitch.”
Her phrases carried the load of illustration:
“This award means loads to me and to each younger woman who dares to play, to each teammate who fought beside me and each Nigerian and African who continues to consider in girls’s soccer. I stand right here as a product of laborious work, religion and the collective energy of my nation and teammates.”
In a footballing tradition that calls for heroes, she has emerged as one.
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The ultimate phrase
Qualification secured. Requirements questioned. Classes realized.
The Tremendous Falcons stay the benchmark, by trophies, consistency, and mentality. Tuesday’s efficiency might not make the spotlight reels, however elite groups decide themselves otherwise. They rejoice development and proper the imperfections.
And as Ajibade’s voice lower via the noise on Tuesday night time, one factor turned clear:
Nigeria aren’t simply going to Morocco to defend a title.
They’re going to defend a legacy.
