Benin Coach Abdoulay Reveals Why He Cried After Draw With Super Falcons

Benin Republic women’s national team coach, Ouzerou Abdoulay, has opened up on the reason behind his emotional reaction after his team’s 1-1 draw with Nigeria’s Super Falcons in Tuesday’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Abeokuta.

The coach, who was seen in tears at the final whistle, said his outburst was connected to a personal health battle that has taken a toll on him in recent months.

“I have been going through some rather difficult times concerning my health,” Abdoulay told reporters after the match. “Everyone who is around the Benin team knows that. A lot of things came back to me because, you know, health is something really important.”

Despite bowing out of the competition with a 3-1 aggregate defeat, Abdoulay’s side earned admiration for their determination and tactical discipline against the 10-time African champions.

Nigeria took the lead in the 13th minute when Ashleigh Plumptre scored her first-ever goal for the Super Falcons, heading in from an Esther Okoronkwo corner. But Benin found a way back into the contest through Yasmine Djibril’s beautifully taken free kick midway through the second half.

Abdoulay said the goal was particularly meaningful to him because of his close bond with the young midfielder.

“I really appreciated it because it came from Yasmine,” he said. “Everyone who is close to the team knows that she’s kind of like my daughter and that I have a special affection for her. So I was happy that it came from her. Scoring in front of this crowd, under pressure, was already a victory in itself. And since it brought us back into the game, I was naturally very, very proud.”

While Benin’s journey ended in Abeokuta, Nigeria’s Super Falcons will march on to the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco, as they continue their quest for another continental title.