2026 Women’s AFCON (Q): seeking a comeback, Benin held to a draw by Nigeria and eliminated
Valiant but not enough, Benin’s Amazons held Nigeria’s Super Falcons to a 1-1 draw in Abeokuta on Tuesday in the return leg of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Defeated 2-0 in the first leg, the Beninese saw their dream of a first-ever qualification slip away.
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Benin’s Amazons held their own against Nigeria this Tuesday, October 28, in Abeokuta (1-1), in the return leg of the second round of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. An encouraging result but not enough to secure a historic first-ever qualification for the finals.
After being beaten 2-0 in the first leg in Lomé, the Beninese knew they would need a feat against the ten-time African champions. Despite a difficult start, marked by Nigeria opening the scoring as early as the 12th minute, Abdoulaye Ouzérou’s players showed remarkable courage.
Backed by a solid defensive organization and a constant desire to push forward, they were finally rewarded around the hour mark thanks to a superb free kick from Yasminath Djibril, which equalized the score (1-1).
The Amazons then held on until the final whistle, earning a prestigious draw on the pitch of the MKO Abiola Stadium. But the defeat conceded in the first leg (0-2) dooms their hopes of qualification.
Nigeria thus secures its spot in the 2026 Women’s AFCON in Morocco, while Benin can hold its head high after a brave display against one of the continent’s most feared nations.