Nigeria’s Super Falcons took a decisive step toward qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a composed 2–0 win over Benin in the first leg of their final qualifying round on Friday.
Played at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo – Benin’s temporary home due to the lack of a CAF-approved stadium – the encounter was dominated by the ten-time African champions, whose quality and experience eventually proved too strong for their determined hosts.
Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo were the goalscorers for the Super Falcons, while Washington Spirit’s Deborah Abiodun was the creative spark behind both strikes.
Benin, bidding to reach the WAFCON finals for the first time in their history, began brightly but struggled to cope once Nigeria found rhythm.
The Falcons struck the post inside ten minutes and were twice denied by the crossbar before Ihezuo broke the deadlock with a deft lob after a pinpoint pass from Abiodun.
Shortly after, Chiamaka Nnadozie preserved Nigeria’s lead with a superb stop, ensuring the visitors entered the break with control.
The advantage doubled just before half-time when Okoronkwo, recently shortlisted for the CAF African Women’s Footballer of the Year award, finished smartly following another well-timed assist from Abiodun.
Head coach Justine Madugu retained much of his experienced core, with Ohale making her 80th appearance and Okoronkwo leading the line. Captain Asisat Oshoala started from the bench, while teenage midfielder Taiwo Afolabi earned her Super Falcons debut.
Nigeria managed the second half with composure, keeping Benin at arm’s length while debutant Joy Omewa, who plays her club football in Denmark, slotted in seamlessly after the restart.
The Super Falcons’ victory means they will carry a commanding advantage into the return leg on Monday, October 28, at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta. A win or draw there would seal their place at next year’s WAFCON in Morocco.
The result also positions Nigeria among the frontrunners in the qualification race, joining South Africa, Ghana, and Zambia, who all earned strong results in their own first-leg encounters.
South Africa held DR Congo 1–1 in Kinshasa, Ghana powered past Egypt 3–0 in Ismailia, while Zambia triumphed 4–2 against Namibia in Johannesburg.
With defending champions no longer guaranteed automatic qualification, the stakes remain high.
But after this confident away performance, Nigeria look firmly on course to extend their continental dominance and maintain their record of appearing in every edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
