The Super Falcons of Nigeria have taken a crucial step toward defending their continental crown after securing a 2–0 victory over Bénin Republic’s Amazons in the first leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final qualifying tie at the Stade de Kégué, Lomé, on Friday evening.
First-half strikes from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo sealed the win for the 10-time African champions, setting them up comfortably for the return leg in Abeokuta on Tuesday.
Bright Start and Early Pressure
Nigeria began the match with purpose and intensity, pinning the Béninoise deep in their half from kickoff. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade nearly opened the scoring in the 6th minute, beating goalkeeper Ogoun, only to be denied by the woodwork.
Two minutes later, Folashade Ijamilusi, one of the revelations from Nigeria’s WAFCON triumph in Morocco, unleashed a powerful effort that forced Ogoun into a fingertip save.
The Amazons tried to sit deep and absorb the pressure, but their defensive resistance broke midway through the first half.
Ihezuo Breaks the Deadlock; Okoronkwo Doubles the Advantage
In the 23rd minute, midfielder Deborah Abiodun, pulling the strings in the middle, split open the congested Bénin defence with a precise through pass.
Chinwendu Ihezuo raced onto it and coolly placed the ball beyond the reach of Ogoun to hand Nigeria a deserved 1–0 lead.
The goal was a reward for the Falcons’ high-tempo attacking play, which left the Amazons chasing shadows. With the Super Falcons dominating every department, they continued to press for a second goal.
Bénin threatened briefly in the 36th minute, when Moumouni slipped past Osinachi Ohale and fired at goal, but Nigeria’s world-class goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie reacted sharply to make the save.
Three minutes before the break, Abiodun was at the heart of things again. The Washington Spirit midfielder threaded another defence-splitting pass to Esther Okoronkwo, who calmly slotted home to double Nigeria’s lead.
The Amazons almost halved the deficit before halftime, but Moumouni’s fierce effort struck the post, ensuring the Falcons went into the break 2–0 up.
Second-Half Missed Chances
The second half saw tactical adjustments from both coaches, with the Béninoise adopting a more aggressive approach.
However, Nigeria’s backline, marshalled by Michelle Alozie, Tosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale, and Ashleigh Plumptre, stood firm.
Benin’s Amazons were unable to find a way past Nnadozie, who produced another key save in the 90th minute, denying Sadikou’s header from an in-swinging cross.
While the Falcons couldn’t add to their tally, they managed the game effectively to preserve their two-goal cushion.
With Jennifer Echegini sidelined through injury, Madugu handed more responsibility to Deborah Abiodun, who excelled in midfield alongside Rasheedat Ajibade and Christy Ucheibe.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons Eyeing 11th Continental Crown
The result in Lomé gives Nigeria a significant advantage ahead of the home leg, where a draw or even a narrow defeat would be enough to seal qualification for the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco.
The tournament’s semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, adding extra incentive for the Falcons to defend the crown they won in Morocco earlier this year.
Referee: Ngum Fatou (The Gambia)
Kick-off: 3:00 PM (Togo) / 4:00 PM (Nigeria)
Super Falcons Squad vs Bénin Republic
Goalkeepers:
- Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England)
- Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels)
Defenders:
- Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca, Mexico)
- Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy)
- Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA)
- Ashleigh Plumptre (Al-Ittihad, Saudi Arabia)
- Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens)
- Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey)
- Miracle Usani (Abia Angels)
Midfielders:
- Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
- Taiwo Afolabi (Rivers Angels)
- Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA)
- Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)
Forwards:
- Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca, Mexico)
- Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjørring, Denmark)
- Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada)
- Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia)
- Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Baiye, China)
- Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens)
