November 02, (THEWILL) — Nigeria claimed passage to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-1 aggregate victory over Benin Republic, yet the qualifying tie revealed as much about persistent vulnerabilities as it did about the Super Falcons’ undeniable pedigree. Across two legs played between October 24 and 28, coach Justine Madugu’s side demonstrated the technical quality that has made them continental heavyweights whilst simultaneously exposing tactical frailties that could prove costly when the tournament arrives in Morocco next year.
The first leg unfolded in Lomé, Togo, where Nigeria established control from the opening exchanges at the Stade de Kégué. Within six minutes, captain Rasheedat Ajibade had tested Benin goalkeeper Justine Ogoun with a lob that struck the crossbar, signalling intent that would persist throughout the humid evening. Two minutes later, Folashade Ijamilusi forced another save, and it became apparent that Benin’s compact defensive structure would face sustained pressure. Nigeria’s midfield trio of debutant Taiwo Afolabi, Deborah Abiodun and Ajibade gradually dismantled Benin’s rhythm, with Abiodun emerging as the architect of both goals. Her precise through ball in the 23rd minute found Chinwendu Ihezuo, who lifted a composed finish over Ogoun to register her first international goal since returning from injury. The pattern continued just before the interval when Abiodun again threaded a pass through Benin’s lines, allowing Esther Okoronkwo to slot home and establish a two-goal cushion.
Despite commanding 62 per cent possession and registering 12 shots, Nigeria’s dominance was not absolute. Benin created two dangerous counter-attacking opportunities, with Sandrine Moumouni forcing goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie into a sharp save in the 36th minute and Yenido Romaine Gandonou exploiting space behind the Nigerian defence on multiple occasions. Nnadozie’s saves earned her post-match plaudits and underscored how Benin’s pace threatened to unpick Nigeria’s defensive organisation but for the Brighton and Hove shot-stopper, who ensured nothing went beyond her grasp. Madugu introduced Asisat Oshoala, debutant Joy Omewa and Christy Ucheibe in the 80th minute to preserve the clean sheet, though his post-match comments carried a cautionary tone about the tie remaining far from settled.
The second leg four days later at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta attracted over 20,000 spectators and brought a single change to Nigeria’s starting lineup, with Oshoala replacing Afolabi to provide greater physical presence in attack. The adjustment paid immediate dividends when Ashleigh Plumptre rose unmarked to head home Okoronkwo’s 12th-minute corner, the defender’s first goal in 25 international appearances. For Plumptre, who had missed the previous WAFCON through injury, the moment carried personal significance after what she later described as a prolonged drought. Her celebration captured the relief of a player whose journey back to full fitness had demanded patience and perseverance.
Nigeria created numerous openings during a dominant first half, with Oshoala heading wide from Ajibade’s cross in the 18th minute and Okoronkwo curling a free kick against the side netting shortly afterwards. Ijamilusi missed from close range following a pull-back from Michelle Alozie, and the pattern of profligacy would persist throughout the evening. Benin, fielding 10 players based abroad including six in France’s domestic leagues, absorbed the pressure with increasing confidence before striking against the run of play. In the 61st minute, Yasminath Djibril exploited a momentary lapse in Nigeria’s defensive line, curling a 25-yard free kick into the top corner to reduce the aggregate deficit to two goals. The strike exposed positional uncertainty from Tosin Demehin and Plumptre, who had been caught upfield when the foul was conceded in midfield.
Djibril’s goal prompted a brief spell of Benin ascendancy, with Gandonou drawing another fine save from Nnadozie, yet Nigeria ultimately regained composure to see out the contest. The hosts finished with 14 shots to Benin’s six, but a 40 per cent conversion rate highlighted the wastefulness that had characterised both matches. Across the two legs, Nigeria missed eight clear chances, a statistic that will concern Madugu as he prepares for sterner opposition in the finals. The coach introduced Omewa and Ucheibe late in proceedings, but the scoreline remained unchanged, confirming progression whilst leaving questions about clinical finishing unanswered.
The tactical evolution between both legs offered insight into Madugu’s thinking. In Lomé, his 4-3-3 formation emphasised midfield control, with Abiodun’s two assists illustrating the effectiveness of quick transitions against Benin’s low defensive block. The setup restricted Benin to 38 per cent possession and yielded a clean sheet, though it invited counter-attacks that tested Nnadozie’s reflexes. For the return fixture, Madugu adopted a more aggressive approach, starting Oshoala to stretch defences and encouraging higher pressing. This unlocked early opportunities, including Plumptre’s set-piece goal, but left Nigeria vulnerable in transition. The coach’s rotation of eight players across the tie, including debuts for Afolabi and Omewa, reflected his interim philosophy of blending youth with experience. Now holding a two-year contract until October 2027 after leading Nigeria to the 2025 WAFCON title, Madugu has been afforded the stability required to implement a coherent vision.
Individual contributions varied considerably in their impact. Abiodun anchored midfield with vision and composure, her assists in the first leg establishing her credentials as the link between defence and attack. Okoronkwo emerged as the tie’s standout performer, scoring once and assisting Plumptre whilst registering three key passes overall. Plumptre’s goal complemented her defensive solidity, with 92 per cent passing accuracy and three clearances limiting Benin’s threats after the interval. Ajibade, as captain, dictated tempo with 65 per cent duel success, though she conceded post-match that the team could have managed possession more effectively after conceding. Oshoala generated five chances but lacked the clinical edge expected of her experience, a concern that will require attention. Nnadozie’s distribution accuracy of 85 per cent and three crucial saves preserved the aggregate lead, confirming her status as one of Africa’s premier goalkeepers.
For Benin, the tie demonstrated significant progress. Djibril’s dead-ball expertise and Gandonou’s counter-attacking threat, honed during her time in Morocco’s domestic league, illustrated the tactical sophistication that integration of diaspora talent can bring. With 10 squad members based professionally abroad, Benin have narrowed the gap with Nigeria’s traditionally deeper talent pool, signalling that West African women’s football has become increasingly competitive.
The result inevitably fuels discussion about squad renewal. Nigeria fielded 40 per cent of players under 25, with Afolabi and Omewa injecting energy and suggesting depth for the future. Veterans such as Oshoala and Osinachi Ohale provide leadership and experience, but the tie exposed finishing issues that cannot be ignored. Preparation standards remain uneven, with players still awaiting government bonuses from the 2025 WAFCON triumph and training camps having faced logistical delays. Madugu’s philosophy prioritises respect for opponents, as evidenced by his pre-match comments acknowledging Benin’s technical quality, whilst Ajibade denied any suggestion that the first-leg margin had bred complacency. Benin’s model of integrating diaspora talent mirrors trends across the continent, where nations including Morocco and South Africa are investing heavily in women’s football infrastructure.
Qualification secures Nigeria’s place in the 12-team finals, with the group draw scheduled for January 2026. Hosts Morocco loom as favourites following their impressive Olympic campaign, whilst South Africa and Zambia present tactical threats that will test Nigeria’s credentials. The tie has strengthened team dynamics, with Madugu praising unity after the draw and Ogun State governor Dapo Abiodun providing a N50 million incentive that boosted morale. With 18 months remaining until the tournament, addressing conversion rates through targeted training sessions will prove essential if Nigeria are to defend their title successfully. Plumptre’s return to form and Abiodun’s creativity suggest depth exists within the squad, but consistent preparation and refined finishing will determine whether Madugu can guide the Super Falcons to an unprecedented 11th continental crown.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
