WAFCON (Q): Nigeria qualify after draw with Benin

Nigeria qualified for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco following a 1-1 second leg result against Benin in the final round of 2026 WAFCON qualifying at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun State on Tuesday.

The defending WAFCON champions had a 2-0 advantage from the first leg of the final round ahead of the second leg, leaving Nigeria qualified with a 3-1 aggregate victory following Tuesday’s result.

An Esther Okoronkwo cross from a 12th minute corner kick was met by a powerful Ashley Plumptre header to break the deadlock. However, the second half saw the Amazons attempt a comeback through a Yasminath Djibril direct free kick in the 62nd minute, but it wasn’t enough for Benin to qualify for the biennial tournament.

The victory means that Nigeria will keep their record of appearing in every WAFCON, as they will be present at Morocco 2026 to defend their title and also fight for qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

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