Nigeria’s Super Falcons defeated Benin Republic 2–0 in the first leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON,qualifier played on Friday in Lomé, Togo.
The nine-time African champions began the game brightly, asserting dominance from the opening minutes. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade came close to giving Nigeria an early lead in the sixth minute when her clever lob struck the crossbar, leaving Benin’s goalkeeper stranded.
Benin’s compact defensive setup held firm for a while, but their resistance was eventually broken in the 23rd minute. Midfield dynamo Deborah Abiodun split the defence with a precise through ball to Chiwendu Ihezuo, who finished calmly to put the Falcons ahead.
Despite a brief spell of pressure from the Benin Amazons around the 36th minute, Nigeria quickly regained control of the match, dictating tempo and dominating possession.
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Abiodun continued to impress, orchestrating play from midfield. Her pinpoint pass found Esther Okoronkwo, who doubled Nigeria’s advantage just before half-time with a composed finish to make it 2–0.
The second half saw a more balanced contest as both sides introduced fresh legs. Benin pushed forward in search of a goal, but Nigeria’s disciplined backline, marshalled by Osinachi Ohale, held firm to preserve the clean sheet.
Despite Benin’s late pressure, the Falcons maintained composure and saw out the win to take a strong advantage ahead of the second leg, scheduled for Tuesday at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The result puts Nigeria in a commanding position to secure qualification for the final round of the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers.
