Nigeria’s Super Falcons took a commanding step toward qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a 2–0 victory over Benin Republic in the first leg of their second-round qualifier on Friday.
The reigning African champions began the encounter with confidence and attacking intent. Rasheedat Ajibade came close in the 6th minute with a lob that beat the goalkeeper but struck the crossbar, while Folashade Ijamilusi saw her effort two minutes later parried away by Benin’s shot-stopper Ogoun.
Nigeria’s persistence paid off in the 23rd minute when Deborah Abiodun broke through Benin’s low defensive block with a precise pass to Ihezuo, who expertly placed the ball beyond the goalkeeper to open the scoring.
The Super Falcons continued to dominate possession and control the rhythm of play. Benin nearly found an equaliser in the 36th minute when Moumouni slipped past Osinachi Ohale, but her strike was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
As halftime approached, Abiodun once again turned provider, threading a defence-splitting pass to Esther Okoronkwo, who coolly finished to make it 2–0 in the 45+2 minute. The goal added another highlight to Okoronkwo’s week, coming shortly after her nomination for the 2024 CAF African Women’s Player of the Year award, a recognition of her rising influence and consistency for both club and country.
Benin came close to pulling one back late in the first half when Moumouni’s shot rattled the post, but the Super Falcons held firm to preserve their lead at the break.
The second half saw fewer clear chances as both teams made tactical adjustments. Benin pushed forward in search of a goal, but Nigeria’s defence, marshalled by Ohale and anchored by the ever-reliable Nnadozie, stood resolute. In the 90th minute, Sadikou’s header threatened to halve the deficit, but Nnadozie was once again equal to the task.
The 2–0 win puts Nigeria in a commanding position ahead of the return leg scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.
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
