Reigning African champions, the Super Falcons Friday began their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying campaign on a winning note with a 2-0 victory over Benin Republic in the first leg of their qualifying tie played in Lomé, Togo.
Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo scored for the Super Falcons in the first half to seal the win for the African champions, who dominated the encounter from start to finish.
The Nigerian women started brightly, with Rasheedat Ajibade coming close in the sixth minute when her clever lob beat goalkeeper Ogoun but bounced off the crossbar. Two minutes later, Folashade Ijamilusi’s fierce shot was palmed away by the Benin goalkeeper as the pressure mounted.
The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Deborah Abiodun, instrumental in midfield, split the Benin defence with a precise pass to Ihezuo, who calmly finished beyond the onrushing Ogoun to give the Super Falcons a deserved lead.
Benin’s Amazons managed their first real chance in the 36th minute when Moumouni weaved past Osinachi Ohale and forced a save from Chiamaka Nnadozie, but Nigeria quickly reasserted control. Just before halftime, Abiodun once again orchestrated the play, finding Okoronkwo with another incisive pass. The striker made no mistake, slotting home to double Nigeria’s advantage
WAFCON Qualifiers: Super Falcons beat Benin Republic 2-0 in Lome
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