Nigeria’s Super Falcons took a significant step toward qualifying for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after recording a 2–0 victory over Benin Republic in the first leg of their qualifier played on Friday in Lomé, Togo.
The nine-time African champions began the encounter with intent and energy, pressing their opponents high up the pitch.
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade nearly opened the scoring in the sixth minute when her clever lob beat the goalkeeper but struck the crossbar, denying Nigeria an early lead.
The breakthrough, however, came in the 23rd minute. Midfielder Deborah Abiodun delivered a precise defence-splitting pass to Chiwendu Ihezuo, who calmly slotted the ball past the Beninese goalkeeper to make it 1–0 for the Falcons.
Benin’s low-block defensive strategy limited their attacking chances, but they managed a rare attempt on goal in the 36th minute, which was quickly dealt with by Nigeria’s backline.
Abiodun continued to dictate play from midfield and was again instrumental in the second goal. Just before halftime, she released Esther Okoronkwo with another incisive through ball.
Okoronkwo kept her composure to double Nigeria’s advantage, giving the visitors a comfortable 2–0 lead at the break.
The second half saw both teams make tactical adjustments that slowed the game’s tempo.
Benin Republic pushed forward in search of a lifeline, but Nigeria’s defence anchored by veteran defenders stood resolute, neutralising their opponent’s pace on the wings.
Despite late pressure from the Beninese side, the Super Falcons maintained control and saw out the match without conceding.
The result puts Nigeria in a commanding position ahead of the return leg scheduled for Tuesday at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.
A win or draw in the home fixture will be enough to send the Super Falcons through to the next stage of the WAFCON qualifiers as they aim for a record-extending tenth continental title.
