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Super Falcons secure first-leg win over Benin Republic in WAFCON 2026 Qualifiers
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigeria’s senior women’s national team took a commanding step toward qualifying for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a 2–0 victory over Benin Republic in the first leg of their qualifying tie at the Stade de Kégué, Lomé, Togo, on Friday.
Head coach Justine Madugu handed Rivers Angels midfielder Taiwo Afolabi her first competitive start, joining a strong lineup that included Chiamaka Nnadozie, Michelle Alozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, Esther Okoronkwo, Deborah Abiodun, Tosin Demehin, Rasheedat Ajibade, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Folashade Ijamilusi — most of whom were part of Nigeria’s 2024 WAFCON-winning squad.
The Super Falcons began the encounter on the front foot, creating chances early. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade nearly opened the scoring in the seventh minute, her powerful effort rattling the woodwork.
Nigeria’s persistence paid off in the 23rd minute when Chinwendu Ihezuo slotted home from close range after a clever assist from Deborah Abiodun, giving the Falcons a deserved lead.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was called into action in the 35th minute, producing a superb save to deny the Amazones an equalizer.
Just before halftime, Esther Okoronkwo doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the additional minute of the first half with a calm finish to make it 2–0 at the break.
Nigeria maintained control in the second half, dictating the tempo and keeping the Beninese side on the back foot.
Coach Madugu introduced Joy Omewa, Asisat Oshoala, and Christy Ucheibe in the 76th minute to inject fresh energy, replacing Ihezuo, Okoronkwo, and Afolabi, respectively.
Benin threatened late in the game, but Nnadozie stood tall once again, making key saves in the closing minutes to preserve the clean sheet.
The 10-time African champions will take a 2–0 aggregate lead into the second leg at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Tuesday, where they will look to seal qualification for the next WAFCON finals.
