The Super Falcons of Nigeria on Tuesday qualified for the Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) coming up in Morocco next year.
The Super Falcons played a 1-1 draw with their Benin Republic counterpart in the second leg of the qualifier at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta.
Nigerian defender Ashleigh Plumptre scored in the 11th minute, heading the ball home from a corner kick.
The goal compounded the woes for the Amazon, who had previously lost the first leg 2-0 in Lome.
In the second half, the Beninese came out more impressive and were rewarded in the 61st minute with a direct free kick from Yasminath Djibril, which beat Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The duo of Deborah Abiodun and Esther Okoronkwo sustained injuries and were substituted during the match.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Super Falcons’ coach, Justine Madugu, said that though the team played below expectations, he was, however, happy for the qualification.
“In terms of results, sometimes there can be off days, there can be bad days, and we want to consider today’s match from this perspective.
“The performance is not what we need, but we expected it. It didn’t come so much as a surprise because even at the press conference yesterday, we knew it was going to be a tough game,” he said.
The 10-time African champion will be hoping to make it 11 times at the 2026 tournament in Morocco.
(NAN)