Nigeria’s Super Falcons have qualified for the 2026 Total Energies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, maintaining their perfect record as the only nation to feature in every edition of the tournament since its inception.

The 10-time African champions sealed qualification after a 1–1 draw with the Amazons of Benin Republic in Tuesday’s second-leg clash at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, completing a 3–1 aggregate victory following a 2–0 win in the first leg in Cotonou.

Ashleigh Plumptre opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 12th minute her first international goal since switching allegiance from England in 2017 heading in a well-delivered corner from Esther Okoronkwo. Benin equalised in the 61st minute through Yasmine Djibril, who pounced on a defensive error to beat goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Despite the setback, the Falcons remained composed and controlled the game until the final whistle under Coach Justin Madugu’s tactical direction.

The qualification marks Nigeria’s 16th consecutive WAFCON appearance an unmatched record in African football. Earlier in the first leg, Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo had given the Falcons a comfortable lead in Cotonou.

Coach Madugu commended his players for their discipline and determination, saying the team’s next target is to defend their continental title and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The 2026 WAFCON will take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, with the top four teams earning automatic World Cup spots and two others advancing to intercontinental playoffs.

The Super Falcons, who lifted their record 10th continental crown in Morocco, remain Africa’s most successful women’s national team and one of the most consistent globally.