Nigeria’s Super Falcons are set to clash with Benin Republic in the final qualification round for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with a ticket to the tournament in Morocco on the line.
The Beninese women’s national team, aiming for their first-ever WAFCON appearance, secured their place in this crucial round after a commanding 5-2 aggregate victory over Sierra Leone in the first round. Now, they must overcome Africa’s most decorated women’s football team in a decisive two-legged encounter.
Nigeria's Super Falcons beat the host nation, Australia 3-2 at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) July 27, 2023
Nigeria are the first African team to win a game at this edition.
They reached the Quarter Finals in 1999.
They are Africa's most successful women's team with 9 WAFCON trophies. pic.twitter.com/x7213hLf8F
Benin Republic earned their shot at Nigeria by defeating Sierra Leone over two legs.
In the first leg at Kégué Stadium, Benin secured a 2-1 win, with captain Aude Gbedjissi leading from the front. She opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, skillfully dribbling past the goalkeeper before slotting home. Although Kadiatu Kamara equalized for Sierra Leone in the 35th minute, Gbedjissi restored Benin’s lead from the penalty spot just before halftime.
The second leg at Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex saw a more dominant Benin performance. Goals from Marguerite Ahouassou, Germaine Honfo, and another Gbedjissi penalty sealed a 3-1 win, confirming their 5-2 aggregate triumph.
Nigeria’s #SuperFalcons forward, Gift Monday, has been nominated for the Spanish Liga F Player of the Month award for February after her stellar performances for UD Tenerife. 🇳🇬🏆🔥 pic.twitter.com/BJwfIlU5LD
— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) February 24, 2025
Having received a bye in the first round, the Super Falcons will kick off their qualification campaign in October 2025, determined to continue their rich history of dominance in African women’s football.
With 11 WAFCON titles, Nigeria remains the benchmark for women's football on the continent. Their last triumph came in 2018, when they defeated South Africa on penalties. However, the competition has grown fiercer in recent years, with teams like Morocco, Zambia, and South Africa emerging as serious contenders.
Beyond WAFCON, the stakes are even higher, as the top four teams from the tournament will qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Nigeria remains Africa’s most consistent team on the global stage, having participated in every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the tournament's inception in 1991. Their best performance came in 1999, when they reached the quarterfinals—a record yet to be matched by any other African side.
With history, experience, and talent on their side, the Super Falcons will look to brush past Benin Republic and secure their place in Morocco, keeping their eyes firmly set on a 12th WAFCON title.
