Reigning African champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, secured a 2–0 victory over Benin Republic in the first leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier on Friday in Lomé, Togo.
First-half goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo sealed Nigeria much much-needed three points to brighten Super Falcons‘ 2026 WAFCON qualification ambition.
The Super Falcons began brightly, almost taking the lead in the 6th minute when Rasheedat Ajibade’s clever lob beat goalkeeper Ogoun but bounced off the crossbar.
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Folashade Ijamilusi then forced a fine save from Ogoun just two minutes later as Nigeria piled on early pressure.
Benin’s low-block strategy soon crumbled when Deborah Abiodun split the defence with a precise pass to Ihezuo, who coolly slotted home in the 23rd minute to put Nigeria ahead.
Despite dominating possession, the Falcons had a scare in the 36th minute when Moumouni broke free down the flank and fired at goal, only to be denied by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Nigeria doubled their advantage just before halftime, with Abiodun again the architect—threading another defence-splitting ball to Okoronkwo, who finished clinically to make it 2–0. Benin nearly pulled one back moments later, but Moumouni’s effort struck the post.
The second half saw fewer chances as both teams made tactical adjustments and substitutions. Benin pushed harder in search of a goal, but the Nigerian defence stood firm. In the final minute, Sadikou’s header from an in-swinging cross was superbly saved by Nnadozie to preserve the clean sheet.
The 2–0 win puts the Super Falcons in firm control ahead of the return leg at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, on Tuesday.
