Nigeria’s Super Falcons sealed a 2-0 win over Benin Republic in Lome, Togo, on Friday to claim a first-leg advantage in their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final qualifying fixture, Afrosport reports.
The 10-time African champions got off to a flying start, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade hitting the crossbar inside the opening minutes at the Stade de Kegue.
China-based forward Folashade Ijamilusi also threatened with two fine efforts but the former Edo Queens star was denied by an inspired Benin goalkeeper Surakatou Alassan.
Justine Madugu’s side eventually broke the deadlock halfway through the first half, with Chinwendu Ihezuo finding the back of the net from close range after finishing off a pass from Deborah Abiodun.
Nigeria continued to push for a second and a chance fell to Esther Okoronkwo, but the AFC Toronto star failed to make it count. On the other end, reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year, Chiamake Nnadozie kept Nigeria in the lead with a fine save from Romaine Gandonou’s strike.
Okoronkwo, however, would not be denied a second time and the 28-year-old doubled her side’s lead after converting another pass from Abiodun, putting Nigeria firmly in the driver’s seat.
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
Benin came close to reducing the deficit before halftime but Gandonou’s effort was denied by the crossbar, with Nigeria heading into the break with a deserved lead.
The second half was devoid of clear-cut opportunities for either side, with the Super Falcons retaining possession. Ihezuo failed to add to her tally after missing a glorious chance.
The Super Falcons held on for the win and are on the brink of securing a spot at next year’s WAFCON in Morocco. They will face Benin’s Amazon in the return fixture at the MKO Abiola Arena in Abeokuta on Tuesday, 28 October, knowing that a win or draw seals their qualification.
The 2026 WAFCON will be the third consecutive time the tournament will be held in Morocco and the four semi-finalists will represent Africa at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
