Nigeria’s Super Falcons have booked their place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after defeating neighbours Benin Republic 3–1 on aggregate.

The Falcons played out a 1–1 draw with the Amazons of Benin in the second leg of the qualifier on Tuesday in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

A 2–0 victory in the first leg in Lomé, courtesy of goals from Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo, had already given Nigeria the advantage.

Defender Ashleigh Plumptre opened the scoring in Abeokuta, heading home from an Okoronkwo corner—her first goal for Nigeria since switching allegiance from England in 2017.

Benin’s Yasmine Djibril equalised in the 61st minute, but it was not enough to deny the nine-time champions another WAFCON ticket.

Nigeria last won the continental title after a dramatic comeback against hosts Morocco, securing a record-extending 10th championship.

Next year’s tournament, to be held in Morocco from 17 March to 3 April, will also serve as the qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Semi-finalists at WAFCON will automatically qualify for the World Cup, while two more teams will compete through intercontinental playoffs.

The Super Falcons have participated in every edition of the Women’s World Cup and reached the Round of 16 in 2023, where they lost to eventual finalists England on penalties.