The Super Falcons of Nigeria sealed their ticket to the next edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a 1-1 draw against the Amazons of Benin Republic at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Tuesday, October 28.

With goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo in Lomé last Friday, giving Nigeria an advantage, the 10-time continental champions were poised to have a comfortable outing against a side that had never qualified for the WAFCON.

Nigeria, who had never missed a WAFCON tournament, lined up with coach Justin Madugu, who made only one change to his previous squad, as veteran striker Asisat Oshoala returned to the starting fold. As expected, the reigning African champions started dominantly and got their breakthrough in the 12th minute when Ashleigh Plumptre rose highest in the box to convert a brilliant corner from Okoronkwo. The goal marked the first for the Al-Ittihad defender since switching allegiance from England.

Much of the first half was controlled by the Falcons, though they struggled to convert their dominance into more goals. The second half, however, took a slightly different turn, with the hosts showing more intent that eventually resulted in an equaliser from Yasminath Djibril about 15 minutes in.

Despite the promise that getting back into the game could have meant for Benin, they failed to build on it and ultimately settled for a draw that closed the tie 3-1 on aggregate in Nigeria’s favour. The result ensures the Super Falcons maintain their streak of appearing in every edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with the next set to take place in Morocco in 2026. They will aim to defend the title they won earlier in the year and possibly extend their continental dominance to an 11th trophy.