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Goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo handed Nigeria’s Super Falcons a commanding 2–0 victory over the Benin Republic in the first leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying tie on Friday.
The reigning African champions began the match on the front foot, with Rasheedat Ajibade coming close to an early breakthrough in the sixth minute when her clever lob over goalkeeper Ogoun struck the crossbar. Two minutes later, Folashade Ijamilusi’s effort forced a fine save from the Beninese shot-stopper.
Nigeria’s relentless pressure paid off in the 23rd minute. Midfielder Deborah Abiodun sliced open the Benin defense with a precise pass to Chinwendu Ihezuo, who calmly slotted home to give the Super Falcons a deserved lead.
The Benin Amazons had their first real chance in the 36th minute when Moumouni broke through on the byline and fired at goal, but goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was quick to deny her.
Before halftime, Abiodun once again showcased her vision, threading another superb pass to Esther Okoronkwo, who finished clinically to make it 2–0 for Nigeria. Benin nearly pulled one back just before the break, but Moumouni’s strike cannoned off the post.
The second half proved more balanced, with both sides making tactical adjustments and substitutions. The Amazons increased their tempo, but Nigeria’s defense, marshaled by Osinachi Ohale and anchored by Nnadozie, held firm.
Benin came close again in stoppage time when Sadikou’s header from an in-swinging cross was brilliantly saved by Nnadozie to preserve the clean sheet.
The 2–0 victory gives Nigeria a strong advantage ahead of the return leg scheduled for Tuesday at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.
