Super Falcons of Nigeria
Nigeria’s Super Falcons took a commanding step toward qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after defeating the Benin Republic 2–0 in the first leg of their qualifier match held on Friday in Lomé, Togo.
The nine-time African champions started brightly, nearly taking the lead in the sixth minute when Rasheedat Ajibade’s clever lob rattled the crossbar.
Benin’s defensive resistance was finally broken in the 23rd minute when Deborah Abiodun delivered a perfectly weighted pass through the middle to Chiwendu Ihezuo, who made no mistake in slotting home for Nigeria’s opener.
The Super Falcons continued to dominate proceedings, controlling possession and dictating the tempo. The Beninese side, known as the Amazons, had a brief attacking spell in the 36th minute but failed to capitalize before the Nigerians regained full control.
Just before the halftime whistle, Abiodun once again turned provider—threading another inch-perfect pass to Esther Okoronkwo, who calmly finished to double the Falcons’ advantage.
The tempo slowed in the second half as both teams made several substitutions and tactical adjustments. Benin pressed late in search of a lifeline, but Nigeria’s defence stood firm, repelling every threat with composure.
With the 2–0 win, the Super Falcons head into Tuesday’s return leg at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta with a solid advantage and one foot in the next stage of the WAFCON qualifiers.
