Reigning African champions, Nigeria's Super Falcons recorded a 2-0 win over Benin Republic in the first leg of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers in Lomé, Togo on Friday.
Goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo in the first half gave Nigeria the much-needed three points to brighten the Super Falcons' 2026 WAFCON qualification ambitions.
The Super Falcons started brightly, almost taking the lead in the sixth minute when Rashidat Ajibade's clever lob beat goalkeeper Ogoun but hit the crossbar. Folashade Ijamilusi made a good save from Ogoun after just two minutes, allowing Nigeria to apply the early pressure.
Benin's low-block tactics soon collapsed when Deborah Abiodun split the defense with an accurate pass to Ihezuo, who scored easily to put Nigeria ahead in the 23rd minute.
Despite dominating possession, the Falcons had a scare in the 36th minute when Moumouni broke free down the flank and fired on goal, but his effort was denied by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozi.
Nigeria doubled their advantage just before halftime, with Abiodun again the architect as he fired another defence-splitting ball to Okoronkwo, who finished clinically to make it 2–0. Benin almost pulled one back a few moments later, but Moumouni's effort hit the post.
There were fewer chances in the second half as both teams made tactical adjustments and substitutions. Benin pressed harder in search of goal, but the Nigerian defense stood firm. In the final minute, Nnadozi saved the clean sheet brilliantly from Sadikou's header from an in-swinging cross.
The 2-0 win has put the Super Falcons in firm control ahead of the return leg on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta.
