The Super Falcons of Nigeria began their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying campaign on a bright note, defeating the Benin Republic 2–0 in their first-leg clash at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo, on Friday evening.
Goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo in the opening half ensured that the nine-time African champions took control of the tie, setting up a comfortable path toward qualification.
The encounter was played on neutral ground after Benin’s home venues were ruled unfit for CAF competitions. Yet, the change in location did little to unsettle Nigeria, who looked composed and confident from kickoff.
Falcons Strike Early and Control the Game
Nigeria’s dominance was evident within minutes. Rasheedat Ajibade, captaining the side, almost opened the scoring in the seventh minute when her clever lob grazed the crossbar. Moments later, Folashade Ijamilusi forced a strong save from the Benin goalkeeper, as the Falcons kept pressing high up the pitch.
The breakthrough arrived in the 24th minute. Deborah Abiodun, pulling the strings from midfield, split the defence with a pinpoint through ball. Ihezuo latched onto it and lifted the ball calmly over the advancing keeper — a finish that reflected her composure and experience at the top level.
Nigeria continued to dominate possession, dictating the rhythm through Abiodun’s intelligent passing and Tosin Demehin’s control in the middle.
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Okoronkwo Doubles the Advantage Before the Break
Just before half-time, the Falcons struck again and once more, Abiodun was at the heart of it. She spotted Okoronkwo’s run into the box and slipped in a perfect pass. The forward showed clinical precision, side-footing home to make it 2–0.
Benin’s Amazons struggled to find rhythm throughout the first half, but they nearly pulled one back in the 36th minute when Moumouni broke through Nigeria’s backline, only to be denied by Chiamaka Nnadozie, who stood tall to preserve the lead.
After the restart, the Falcons remained in control, managing the tempo and denying Benin any space to counter. While chances to extend the lead came through Ajibade and Ihezuo, the finishing touch was missing in the second half. Coach Justin Madugu introduced fresh legs late in the game to solidify the midfield, ensuring the Falcons maintained their clean sheet as the clock wound down.
Eyes on Abeokuta and the Road to Morocco 2026
The result gives Nigeria a firm grip ahead of the return leg in Abeokuta on Tuesday, where they will look to complete the job in front of a home crowd at the Moshood Abiola Stadium.
Victory in Abeokuta will confirm the Falcons’ place at the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco, scheduled to take place from March 17 to April 3, 2026.
Beyond the scoreline, the win reflects a growing cohesion within Madugu’s squad, a team blending established stars with emerging talents. With Abiodun’s vision, Ajibade’s leadership, and Ihezuo’s sharpness in front of goal, the Super Falcons appear well on track to defend their continental crown.