The Super Falcons of Nigeria kicked off their campaign for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on a winning note, securing a confident 2–0 victory over the Benin Republic in the first-leg qualifier played on Friday in Lomé, Togo.
Goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo in the first half ensured a comfortable win for the nine-time African champions, who controlled the tempo of the game from start to finish, leaving their opponents with little room to threaten.
Nigeria signaled their attacking intent early when Rasheedat Ajibade’s clever lob in the sixth minute sailed over goalkeeper Ogoun but rattled the crossbar. Moments later, Folashade Ijamilusi unleashed a thunderous shot that was smartly parried away as the pressure from the Falcons mounted.
The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute after Deborah Abiodun carved open Benin’s defense with a precise through ball that found Ihezuo, who calmly slotted home from close range to give Nigeria a deserved lead.
Benin came close to equalizing in the 36th minute when Moumouni broke through the Nigerian defense, but goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie produced a brilliant save to keep her team ahead. Just before the interval, Abiodun once again played the role of creator, finding Okoronkwo in space, who finished clinically to double Nigeria’s advantage.
The Beninese nearly pulled one back moments before halftime when Moumouni’s effort struck the post, but Nigeria held firm to maintain their two-goal cushion going into the break.
The second half saw a more controlled performance from the Super Falcons, who managed the game efficiently while neutralizing Benin’s attacking threats. Defenders Osinachi Ohale and Tosin Demehin were rock solid at the back, while Nnadozie capped off a commanding display with a late reflex save to deny Sadikou’s header.
With this result, the Super Falcons take a commanding lead into the return leg scheduled for Tuesday at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta. The Nigerian side will aim to complete the job in front of their home fans and secure their place at the 2026 WAFCON tournament.
What you should know
The Super Falcons are Africa’s most successful women’s national football team, having won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations a record nine times.
Their dominant performance against Benin Republic underscores their determination to maintain that legacy.
With stars like Chiamaka Nnadozie, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Esther Okoronkwo in top form, Nigeria remains a formidable force as they aim for yet another WAFCON triumph.
