Nigeria’s Super Falcons took a huge step toward qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after defeating Benin Republic 2–0 in the first-leg encounter played on Friday in Lomé, Togo.Goals from forwards Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo in the first half secured a comfortable win for the reigning African champions, who dominated possession and dictated the tempo throughout the game.
Nigeria came close early when Rasheedat Ajibade’s sixth-minute lob beat the Beninese goalkeeper Ogoun, only to hit the crossbar. Two minutes later, Folashade Ijamilusi’s strike was parried away by Ogoun as the Falcons pressed hard.Their persistence paid off in the 23rd minute when Deborah Abiodun threaded a precise pass through the congested midfield to Ihezuo, who calmly slotted home to give Nigeria a deserved lead.The Super Falcons continued to dominate, but Benin nearly equalized in the 36th minute as Moumouni found space on the byline and fired at goal, only for Chiamaka Nnadozie to produce a sharp save.Before halftime, Abiodun once again turned provider — this time finding Okoronkwo, who finished clinically to double Nigeria’s advantage. Benin almost pulled one back just before the break when Moumouni’s effort hit the post.
The second half saw fewer chances as both sides made tactical adjustments. Benin pushed for a goal, but Nigeria’s defence, marshalled by Osinachi Ohale and inspired by Nnadozie’s composure, held firm. In the dying moments, Sadikou’s header was kept out by Nnadozie to preserve Nigeria’s clean sheet.The result gives the Super Falcons a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg in Abeokuta at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex on Tuesday, where they will look to seal qualification for the 2026 WAFCON finals
