Nigeria v Benin Republic: West African rivals stand between Super Falcons and 2026 WAFCON qualification

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are set to take on Benin Republic in the final qualifying round for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Soccernet.ng reports.

Benin Republic women national team, looking to reach the WAFCON for the first time in the country’s history, secured their place with a dominant aggregate win over Sierra Leone in the first round.

The Beninese side progressed after defeating Sierra Leone 5-2 across two legs, sealing their place in the second round, where they will now face the nine-time African champions in a crucial double-legged tie for a spot in Morocco 2026.

The Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s team, will be determined to secure qualification for yet another WAFCON, a tournament they have dominated for decades.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons beat the host nation, Australia 3-2 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

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

— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) July 27, 2023

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The overall winner of this encounter will not only book a place at the continental showpiece but also move one step closer to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the top four teams from WAFCON earning qualification for the global event in Brazil.

Benin edge Sierra Leone to set up Nigeria clash

Benin’s road to this final qualification stage came through a convincing two-legged victory over Sierra Leone.

The first leg, played at Kégué Stadium, saw Benin claim a 2-1 win, with their captain Aude Gbedjissi leading by example.

She opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, displaying excellent footwork to round the goalkeeper before slotting home. Although Sierra Leone equalized through Kadiatu Kamara in the 35th minute, Benin quickly restored their lead when Gbedjissi converted a penalty just before halftime.

The second leg, played at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, was a more dominant display from Benin.

Goals from Marguerite Ahouassou, Germaine Honfo, and another Gbedjissi penalty sealed a 3-1 win, confirming a 5-2 aggregate triumph. Despite Sierra Leone pulling one back late in the game, it was too little, too late to prevent their elimination.

Nigeria Super Falcons eye WAFCON glory once again

Nigeria’s Super Falcons, who received a bye in the first round of qualifiers, will enter the competition in October 2025 when they take on Benin Republic in a decisive two-legged tie.

The fixture will determine whether Nigeria extend their remarkable record of WAFCON appearances and continues their quest for a 12th continental title.

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

The Nigerian team remains the benchmark for women’s football in Africa. Their last WAFCON triumph came in 2018 when they defeated South Africa on penalties.

Since then, the team has faced increased competition from emerging sides like Morocco, Zambia, and South Africa, but they remain a formidable force on the continent.

Beyond their dominance in Africa, the Super Falcons have also been ever-present at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, being the only African team to qualify for every edition since the tournament’s inception in 1991. Their best finish came in 1999 when they reached the quarterfinals, a feat yet to be matched by any other African side.