Super Falcons halfway to WAFCON qualification after defeating Benin

Boluwatife Kehinde
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‎The Super Falcons took a significant step toward qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after earning a 2–0 first-leg win over Benin Republic on Friday in Lomé, Togo.
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‎The Stade de Kégué saw goals from forwards Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo secured a comfortable victory for the reigning African champions.
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‎Nigeria nearly took the lead early when Rasheedat Ajibade’s clever sixth-minute lob beat Beninese goalkeeper Ogoun but rattled the crossbar. Their early pressure paid off in the 23rd minute when Deborah Abiodun sliced through Benin’s midfield with a precise pass to Ihezuo, who coolly slotted home to open the scoring.
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‎The 10 time champions continued to dominate possession, though Benin came close to equalizing in the 36th minute — Moumouni found space on the byline and fired a shot that was brilliantly saved by Chiamaka Nnadozie.
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‎Just before halftime, Abiodun turned provider again, this time setting up Okoronkwo, who made no mistake with a composed finish to double Nigeria’s lead. Benin almost pulled one back moments later when Moumouni’s effort struck the post.
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‎The second half saw fewer clear chances as both sides tightened up defensively. Benin pushed to halve the deficit, but Nigeria’s backline, marshaled by Osinachi Ohale and backed by Nnadozie’s assured goalkeeping, held firm.
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‎The 2–0 win puts the Super Falcons in a commanding position ahead of the return leg in Abeokuta at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex on Tuesday, where they will look to seal qualification for the 2026 WAFCON finals.