TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2026: Nigeria to defend their crown in Morocco

The Super Falcons  have officially confirmed their qualification for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026.

Holders of the continental title, Nigeria booked their place after a composed performance over two legs against Benin, maintaining their remarkable record of consistency in African women’s football.

After a 2–0 victory in Cotonou, the Falcons completed the job with a 1–1 draw in Abeokuta, sealing their 16th consecutive qualification for the continent’s premier women’s competition — a run unmatched in African football history.

Composed and in control

In front of a lively crowd at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Nigeria approached the return leg with confidence. Already holding the advantage from the first leg, Justine Madugu’s side dominated possession and dictated the tempo from the opening whistle.

Their control was rewarded in the 12th minute when Ashleigh Plumptre, the Al-Ittihad defender known for her poise and precision, surged forward and fired a powerful left-footed strike from the edge of the box to open the scoring.

Benin, to their credit, refused to give up. In the 61st minute, Yasmine Djibril, one of the revelations of the qualifiers, capitalised on a defensive error to equalise with a clinical low finish — a moment that sparked celebrations among the travelling Beninese supporters. But despite the setback, Nigeria remained calm, relying on the experience of goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and the defensive stability of Osinachi Ohale to see out the result comfortably.

Road to Morocco 2026 – TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers

First Round

Exempted

Second Round

First Leg: Benin 0–2 Nigeria

Second Leg: Nigeria 1–1 Benin
Aggregate Score: Nigeria win 3–1

Nigeria at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

Appearances: 14 (1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2022, 2024 & 2026)

Best Performance: Winners (1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018 & 2024)

Head Coach: Justine Madugu

Captain: Rasheedat Ajibade