Two first-half goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo gave reigning African champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons, a 2-0 win over their Bénin Republic counterparts in the first leg of their 2026 WAFCON Women Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture, first leg in Lome, Togo.
Rasheedat Ajibade’s 6th-minute lob over the Amazons’ goalkeeper Ogoun, which was denied by the woodwork, and Folashade Ijamilusi’s strike two minutes later was parried away by Ogoun, ensured Nigeria started strong.
2026 WAFCON Qualifier: The Breakthrough
The Beninise couldn’t hold on tight to their low block game plan as Deborah Abiodun weaved open a congested midfield with a pass to Chiwendu Ihezuo, who excellently put the ball beyond the reach of the Beninise goalkeeper to give Nigeria the lead in the 23rd minute.
With the Super Falcons enjoying long spells of possession, dominating every department of the game, the Amazons had their first sight of the Nigerian goal in the 36th minute when Moumouni connected to a pass on the byline and managed to get past Osinachi Ohale to strike at goal, only to be denied by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The Deborah Abiodun Show
Deborah Abiodun was, once more, in her elements as she picked out Esther Okoronkwo with a defense-splitting pass, with the latter slotting home to double the lead for Nigeria before the stroke of halftime. The Super Falcons were lucky not to concede in the closing stages of the first half, as Moumouni’s shot against the run of play struck the frame of the post to end the half 2-0 in favor of Nigeria.
The second half proved tough for both teams following tactical adjustments and several substitutions. However, Nigeria soaked up the pressure better, containing the pace of the Amazon wingers who stepped up with high intensity in their search for goals. An in-swinger in the 90th minute unsettled the Nigerian defense, leaving Sadikou with a chance to head into the net, but got denied by Nnadozie.
The scoreline gives Nigeria the advantage ahead of the 2026 WAFCON qualifier return leg, billed for the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, on Tuesday.
