THE Super Falcons of Nigeria qualified for next year’s Women Africa Cup of Nations after a 1-1 draw with Benin Republic in Abeokuta today.
The 10-time champions advanced 3-1 on aggregate having won the first leg of the final qualifying round tie 2-0 in Lome, Togo on Friday.
Ashleigh Plumptre struck for the Super Falcons in the encounter at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, with Yasminath Djibril equalising for the visitors.
The Amazons of Benin Republic put up more resistance than they did in Lome, with Dossi Germaine Honfo and Yenido Romaine Gandonou impressive.
The Super Falcons had the breakthrough in the 12th minute when Plumptre nodded into the net off a corner by Esther Okoronkwo.
In the 23rd minute, Oshoala’s header from another Okoronkwo corner missed narrowly, and in the 34th minute, Michelle Alozie’s header went high from Asisat Oshoala’s cross.
The Amazons went in search of the equaliser after the break and in the 56th minute, Chiamaka Nnadozie saved from Gandonou, and then had to stretch full length to push away a shot from 25 yards by Yolande Gnammi two minutes later.
Yasminath Djibril pulled Benin Republic level on the hour mark, striking the ball high and above Nnadozie into the net from a free-kick on the left.
The Super Falcons had opportunities to
regain the lead, with Folashade Ijamilusi missing from close range after goalkeeper Sourakatou Alassane dropped the ball, and Alassane saved from Ajibade in the 77th minute.
Substitute Joy Omewa and Ijamilusi combined in the 90th minute, but Alassane was up to the task.
Qualification means the Super Falcons have the opportunity to defend their title in Morocco next year, and seek a ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.