By Lagos Panorama Sports Desk
African champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, made a strong statement in their quest to qualify for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a commanding 2–0 victory over Benin Republic in the first leg of their final qualifying fixture on Friday at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo.
In what was their first competitive outing since lifting the WAFCON trophy in Morocco, head coach Justin Madugu named a solid starting lineup led by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. The defence featured Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, and Ashleigh Plumptre, while Taiwo Afolabi—on her Super Falcons debut—joined Deborah Abiodun and captain Rasheedat Ajibade in midfield. The attack was spearheaded by Chinwendu Ihezuo and Folashade Ijamilusi, with Esther Okoronkwo operating just behind them.
The Super Falcons started with intent, dominating possession and keeping the hosts under pressure. Nigeria came close early in the game when a fierce shot rattled the crossbar, followed by a series of saves from Benin’s goalkeeper to deny the reigning champions.
Their persistence paid off in the 24th minute, when Chinwendu Ihezuo latched onto a superb through pass from Deborah Abiodun and lifted the ball over the Beninese goalkeeper to open the scoring.
Benin’s Yenido Romaine Gandonou looked lively for the hosts and came close to equalising, but Nnadozie produced a stunning save to preserve Nigeria’s lead.
The Super Falcons doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time (45+2’) as Esther Okoronkwo coolly finished off another perfectly timed assist from Abiodun, who orchestrated play brilliantly from midfield.
In the second half, Nigeria maintained control and composure, comfortably dictating the tempo and denying Benin any chance of a comeback.
Head coach Madugu made several changes late in the game to freshen up the team: Asisat Oshoala replaced Okoronkwo, Joy Omewa made her debut in place of Ihezuo, and Christy Ucheibe came on for Afolabi in the 80th minute. Four minutes later, Shukurat Oladipo replaced Abiodun, whose midfield brilliance stood out throughout the encounter.
A sharp late save from Nnadozie ensured the Super Falcons finished with a clean sheet and a crucial away victory.
The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where the Super Falcons will look to complete the job and seal their ticket to the 2026 WAFCON tournament.
Full-Time Result:
Benin Republic (Women) 0 – 2 Nigeria (Women)
(Scorers: Chinwendu Ihezuo 24’, Esther Okoronkwo 45+2’)
— Lagos Panorama Sports
#SuperFalcons #WAFCON2026Qualifiers #NigeriaVsBenin #NaijaNoDeyCarryLast #LagosPanoramaSports
