Super Falcons Soar: Nigeria’s Convincing Path to WAFCON 2026 Glory Over Benin AmazonsIn the sweltering embrace of Abeokuta’s MKO Abiola Stadium, where the roar of Nigerian pride echoes like a heartbeat, the Super Falcons etched another chapter in their storied legacy on October 28, 2025. Hosting the Benin Amazons in the second leg of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers, Nigeria didn’t just defend their 2-0 first-leg lead—they dismantled it with flair and ferocity. Ashleigh Plumptre’s towering header in the early exchanges set the tone, transforming what could have been a routine affair into a masterclass of dominance. As the final whistle blew, the Falcons had qualified for yet another WAFCON, reaffirming their status as Africa’s queens of the pitch. But this wasn’t mere formality; it was a statement of intent for Morocco 2026 and beyond.The Road to Redemption: From WAFCON Triumph to Qualifier ResolveThe Super Falcons arrived in Abeokuta as reigning champions, fresh off their hard-fought 2024 WAFCON title in Morocco—a crown reclaimed after a decade-long drought that tested their unbreakable spirit. Under coach Justin Madugu, Nigeria has blended youth with experience, turning a squad once criticized for inconsistency into a well-oiled machine. Their first-leg victory in Lomé on October 24—a clinical 2-0 away win at Stade de Kégué—came courtesy of strikes from Rasheedat Ajibade and Jennifer Echegini, silencing any whispers of complacency. Benin, the plucky Amazons who had edged past Sierra Leone in the previous round (5-2 aggregate), arrived with fire in their eyes, motivated by the ghosts of Nigeria’s men’s team thrashing their counterparts just days prior in World Cup qualifying.Yet, challenges loomed. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, the Brighton star and Falcons’ last line of steel, admitted pre-match that Benin would “come hard” as underdogs hungry to topple champions. Late arrivals to camp and injury pullouts had disrupted preparations, but Madugu’s tactical nous—emphasizing quick transitions and wide overloads—proved unyielding. “This is about supremacy,” Madugu declared post-first leg. “We’re not just qualifying; we’re building a dynasty.” With semi-finalists from 2026 WAFCON earning automatic berths to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, the stakes were continental gold.Tactical Symphony: Falcons’ Precision Meets Amazons’ GritFrom the opening whistle, Nigeria dictated the tempo, their 4-3-3 formation a symphony of precision passing and predatory intent. Plumptre’s goal—a bullet header from a pinpoint Ajibade corner in the 12th minute—exemplified the Falcons’ aerial threat, her Leicester City-honed timing leaving Benin’s defense scrambling. The Amazons, clad in their resilient red and green, responded with high pressing and wing raids, glimpses of their pace troubling Nigeria’s flanks early on. But Nnadozie’s reflexes—denying a curling effort from Benin’s winger in the 25th minute—kept the sheet clean, her pre-match vow to “expect anything” ringing true.As the half wore on, Asisat Oshoala’s link-up play unlocked Benin’s low block, her vision feeding Desire Oparanozie for a near-miss volley. Madugu’s halftime tweaks—injecting fresh legs via Michelle Alozie on the left—amplified the assault. In the 58th, Oshoala’s physicality bullied a defender, teeing up Echegini for a composed finish that sealed a 2-0 second-leg win (4-0 aggregate). Benin’s coach, desperate for a lifeline, pushed numbers forward, but Nigeria’s midfield trio—Ucheibe, Payne, and Ajibade—swallowed the pressure whole. Oshoala’s movement was poetry in motion, her hold-up play dismantling counters, while Ihezuo’s box presence loomed as a constant menace.Defensively, it was a fortress: Onome Ebi’s veteran nous marshaled the backline, with Ifeoma Onumonu’s interceptions snuffing out threats. Benin, to their credit, showed heart—edging Togo and Sierra Leone en route here—but faced a Goliath unwilling to yield. As one X user quipped mid-match, “Super Falcons aren’t qualifying; they’re conquering. #NGABEN vibes eternal!”
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Key Stats: Nigeria vs Benin (Second Leg)
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Nigeria
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Benin
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Possession
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62%
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38%
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Shots (On Target)
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14 (6)
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5 (2)
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Corners
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8
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3
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Fouls
|
7
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12
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Goals
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2
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0
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Nigeria’s efficiency was surgical—converting 43% of chances—while Benin’s resilience earned respect, but not results.A Cushion Secured: First-Leg Flashback and Broader StakesRewind to Lomé: The Falcons’ away triumph was no fluke. Ajibade’s curling opener in the 22nd minute exploited Benin’s high line, her Levante precision a beacon for the attack. Echegini’s tap-in 15 minutes later, off a Ucheibe assist, buried any hopes of an upset. Benin pressed valiantly, their wingers testing Nnadozie thrice, but the Paris FC shot-stopper’s saves were world-class. That 2-0 buffer allowed Madugu tactical freedom in Abeokuta, rotating stars like Oparanozie to preserve legs for upcoming friendlies.This tie’s subtext? Regional rivalry reignited. Just weeks after Nigeria’s men’s 3-0 demolition of Benin in Uyo, the women’s clash added poetic symmetry—West African football’s balance of power tilting firmly Naija-ward. For Benin, it’s a stepping stone; their Amazons, ranked 78th globally, have climbed from obscurity, but Nigeria (34th) remains the benchmark.Beyond the Pitch: Legacy, Challenges, and the Road to MoroccoQualification secured, the Falcons now eye Morocco 2026—hosted by the Atlas Lionesses, where semi-final glory unlocks Brazil 2027 World Cup tickets. Madugu’s vision? Evolve the attack, addressing WAFCON 2024’s “goals concern” with clinical finishers like Oshoala (eternal icon) and emerging talents like Ajibade. Plumptre’s header? A nod to the diaspora depth bolstering the squad. Yet, hurdles persist: Domestic league investment lags, injuries plague stars like Alozie, and funding battles rage. As Nnadozie reflected post-match, “We’ve put WAFCON behind us—now it’s World Cup dreams.”Abeokuta erupted in green-and-white jubilation, fans chanting “Soar, Super Falcons!” as Oshoala lifted the ceremonial scarf. This wasn’t just a win; it was a clarion call. Africa’s most successful women’s team—11 WAFCON titles strong—marches on, unbowed, unbreakable. Benin departs with heads high, but Nigeria? They’re flying. Tune in for the highlights, join the roar—because when the Falcons take flight, the continent watches in awe.Follow the Super Falcons’ journey on CAF’s official channels and Naija sports feeds. What’s your bold prediction for WAFCON 2026? Drop it in the comments—let’s debate! #SuperFalcons #WAFCON2026 #NGABEN
