Super Falcons Edge Closer To WAFCON Qualification After Confident Win Over Benin

Super Falcons of Nigeria tightened their grip on a place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a comfortable 2-0 win over Benin Republic in Friday’s first-leg qualifier at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo.

Goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo sealed a well-deserved victory for the nine-time African champions, who looked composed and purposeful from the opening whistle.

Ihezuo broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, lifting the ball neatly over the Beninese goalkeeper after a clever pass from Deborah Abiodun split the defence.

Moments later, Abiodun turned provider again, setting up Okoronkwo to double the lead just before halftime with a calm finish that left the hosts chasing shadows.

Benin, still chasing a maiden WAFCON appearance, tried to fight back in the second half but found it difficult to break down Nigeria’s backline. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was alert when called upon, keeping a clean sheet with a handful of smart saves, while veteran defender Osinachi Ohale marshalled the defence with authority.

Coach Justin Madugu made a triple substitution in the closing minutes, bringing on Asisat Oshoala, Christy Ucheibe, and debutant Joy Omewa to close out the game and preserve the result.

The victory puts Nigeria in a commanding position ahead of the second leg on Monday, October 28, at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta. A draw or another win there would see the Super Falcons book their ticket to next year’s WAFCON in Morocco.

Elsewhere in the qualifiers, South Africa held DR Congo 1-1 in Kinshasa, Ghana brushed aside Egypt 3-0 in Ismailia, and Zambia beat Namibia 4-2 in Johannesburg.

Source: Naijanews