Nigeria’s Super Falcons will begin the defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown with a two-legged qualifier against Benin Republic in October, Footynaija.com reports.
The record 10-time African champions, who lifted the last title in Morocco, will first travel away before hosting the return leg on home soil between 20–28 October.
Despite their pedigree, the Falcons face a Benin side that have already shown determination in the qualifiers, overcoming Sierra Leone 5-2 on aggregate after winning both legs on neutral ground.
Head coach Justine Madugu will be expected to guide his team through safely, with Nigeria widely seen as favourites.
Nigeria have never failed to make it to the WAFCON, featuring in all 13 editions and winning the title a record 10 times.
Elsewhere in the final round of qualifiers, several heavyweight clashes are on the cards.
Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses will take on Algeria, while dethroned WAFCON champions South Africa square off with DR Congo. Zambia will trade tackles with Namibia, while Ghana’s Black Queens are scheduled to face Egypt in another keenly anticipated tie.
WAFCON 2024 runners-up Morocco have already qualified for the 14th edition of the tournament as hosts.
The stakes could not be higher. Winners of the 11 fixtures will qualify for WAFCON 2026 in Morocco, joining the hosts. Beyond continental glory, the tournament doubles as a pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with Africa’s top four earning automatic tickets.
Nigeria are also chasing an 11th continental crown.
Final Round Fixtures (Oct 20–28, 2025):
Angola vs Malawi
DR Congo vs South Africa
Tanzania vs Ethiopia
Namibia vs Zambia
Burkina Faso vs Togo
Algeria vs Cameroon
Egypt vs Ghana
Kenya vs Gambia
Benin Republic vs Nigeria
Cape Verde vs Mali
Senegal vs Ivory Coast