The Super Falcons of Nigeria began their quest for a place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a commanding 2–0 victory over the Benin Republic in the first leg of their qualifying tie on Friday in Lomé, Togo.
First-half goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo secured the win for the nine-time African champions, who dominated proceedings from start to finish.
Nigeria came close to opening the scoring early on when Rasheedat Ajibade’s clever lob in the sixth minute beat goalkeeper Ogoun but came off the crossbar. Moments later, Folashade Ijamilusi forced a fine save as the Super Falcons continued to press.
Their pressure paid off in the 23rd minute as Deborah Abiodun delivered a precise through ball to Ihezuo, who calmly slotted home to give Nigeria a deserved lead.
Benin threatened briefly in the 36th minute when Moumouni broke through Nigeria’s defence, but goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie reacted quickly to deny her.
Just before halftime, Abiodun once again turned provider, setting up Okoronkwo, who finished confidently to double Nigeria’s advantage.
Benin nearly pulled one back before the interval when Moumouni’s strike hit the post, but Nigeria’s defence, led by Osinachi Ohale and Tosin Demehin, remained resolute throughout the second half.
Nnadozie capped off a solid performance with a sharp late save to keep out Sadikou’s header, ensuring the Falcons preserved their clean sheet.
With the win, the Super Falcons take a firm advantage into Tuesday’s return leg at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, where they will aim to complete the job and seal qualification for WAFCON 2026.
