2026 Women’s AFCON Race Review: Benin Republic Hold Super Falcons to 1-1 Draw

Posted : 29 October 2025

Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a 1-1 draw with Benin Republic, winning 3-1 on aggregate.

The defending champions, Nigeria, have secured their spot in next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a 1-1 draw with Benin Republic in the return leg of the final qualification round at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta. The result gave the Super Falcons a 3-1 aggregate victory, confirming their place in Morocco 2026.

Benin Republic put up a strong fight, approaching the game with energy, passion, and tactical discipline. Key players Dossi Germaine Honfo and Yenido Romaine Gandonou led the attacking efforts for the Amazons, constantly testing Nigeria’s defence.

Despite the spirited challenge, the Super Falcons remained composed and confident. In the 8th minute, captain Rasheedat Ajibade set up Asisat Oshoala, forcing the Benin defence to clear the ball under pressure. Just five minutes later, defender Ashley Plumptre opened the scoring with a firm header from a corner delivered by Esther Okoronkwo.

Nigeria continued to create chances, with Oshoala narrowly missing a header from another Okoronkwo corner in the 23rd minute. In the 34th minute, Michelle Alozie came close with a header from Oshoala’s cross, while Okoronkwo saw a free-kick strike the side netting just before halftime.

Benin increased the intensity in the second half, testing goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie in the 56th and 58th minutes with shots from Gandonou and Yolande Gnammi. The equalizer came on the hour mark when Yasminath Djibril converted a free-kick from the left, beating Nnadozie with a precise strike.

Nigeria had further chances to regain the lead, including a missed close-range effort from Folashade Ijamilusi after goalkeeper Sourakatou Alassane uncharacteristically dropped the ball. Alassane also denied Ajibade in the 77th minute. Late combinations between substitute Joy Omewa and Ijamilusi in stoppage time were thwarted by the Benin keeper.

With this result, Nigeria not only secures a chance to defend their title in Morocco next year but also aims for an 11th AFCON crown in 14 editions. The qualification also guarantees a ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

2026 Women’s AFCON Race Review: Benin Republic Hold Super Falcons to 1-1 Draw

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