- Nigeria takes a decisive 2-0 aggregate lead in the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations qualification tie.
- Brilliant first-half strikes from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo seal the crucial away victory.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria dispatched the Republic of Benin with a comfortable 2-0 win in the first leg of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers.
Played at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo, the match saw a dominant first-half performance establish an unassailable lead for the Nigerian side.
Nigeria started on the front foot, instantly taking charge of the midfield battle. Their early strides had the Beninese goalkeeper scrambling, dealing with multiple shots and even seeing the woodwork rattled as the Falcons pressed hard.
The pressure eventually paid off in the 24th minute thanks to Deborah Abiodun's magnificent upfield pass, which was met by striker Chinwendu Ihezuo who showed composure to delicately lob the keeper and break the deadlock.
Job done away from home, we return to Abeokuta for the second leg on Tuesday!#RoadtoXI #SoarSuperFalcons #BENNGA pic.twitter.com/LaIODoQaLl
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) October 24, 2025
Maintaining their attacking tempo, the reigning African Queens didn't slow down. Just before the half-time whistle, Abiodun provided another inch-perfect pass, finding Esther Okoronkwo, who finished smartly to double the Falcons' lead, giving her country a comfortable cushion heading into the break.
Benin came into the second half with a renewed spirit, attempting to reduce the deficit in front of their home crowd, but struggled to break down a rock-solid Super Falcons defense marshalled by Galatasaray's Tosin Demehin and veteran Osinachi Ohale who won her 80th cap for her country on the night.
Coach Justin Madugu rang in the changes late on, introducing star striker Asisat Oshoala and Benfica lynchpin Christy Ucheibe alongside debutant Joy Omewa in a triple substitution to successfully see out the final ten minutes of the contest.
Today's victory puts the Super Falcons in a commanding position to confirm their spot and pursue the defence of their WAFCON title when they meet Benin for the second leg.
Photo credit: Justina Anefiok
Ejim Kaycee
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