- Safiu Kehinde
The Super Falcons of Nigeria has kicked-off the 2026 Women African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers campaign on a brighter note as they cruised past Bénin Republic with a 2–0 victory in the first leg of the qualifier in Lomé, Togo.
Coming of their historical feat earlier recorded this year, the 10-time WAFCON champion faced off with the Beninoise on Thursday evening as they seek to defend their title at next year’s edition of the tournament.
The Super Falcons began strongly as Rasheedat Ajibade’s sixth-minute lob struck the woodwork, narrowly missing an early lead for the Nigerian side.
Bénin’s low block defence soon faltered when Deborah Abiodun split the midfield with a precise pass to Chiwendu Ihezuo, who calmly scored in the 23rd minute.
Dominating possession, the Falcons allowed the Amazons a rare sight of goal in the 36th minute but quickly regained control of the encounter.
Abiodun again impressed, threading a defence-splitting pass to Esther Okoronkwo, who doubled Nigeria’s lead just before half-time with a composed finish.
The second half was evenly contested as both sides made tactical changes and substitutions that slowed the game’s momentum.
Nigeria absorbed Bénin’s late pressure, thwarting their energetic wingers and maintaining composure until the final whistle.
The result gives Nigeria a strong advantage ahead of Tuesday’s return leg at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.