Super Falcons soar past Benin with confident victory in WAFCON qualifier

The Super Falcons of Nigeria edged closer to another Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) appearance after recording a convincing 2–0 victory over the Benin Republic’s Amazons in their first-leg qualifier on Friday evening at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé.

Goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo in the opening half ensured that the 10-time African champions took firm control of the tie ahead of the return leg in Abeokuta next Tuesday.

Nigeria, playing with confidence and precision, dominated the encounter from the onset. Their early pressure soon told when Deborah Abiodun produced a clever pass that sliced through the Beninese defence for Ihezuo to slot home the opener.

Moments before half-time, the Falcons doubled their advantage through Okoronkwo, who beat her marker and calmly converted a one-on-one chance to make it 2–0.

In midfield, Abiodun, Tosin Demehin, and Rasheedat Ajibade dictated the rhythm of play, maintaining possession and denying Benin any real opportunities to threaten.

Abiodun stood out with her blend of defensive awareness and creative contribution, playing a crucial role in both goals.

Coach Justin Madugu’s side showed composure in the closing stages, making a late defensive substitution to preserve their clean sheet as the match wound down.

With the two-goal cushion and home support awaiting them in Abeokuta, the Super Falcons are well-positioned to complete the job and book their place at the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco, where they hope to defend the continental crown they reclaimed earlier in the year.