Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured a 2–0 victory over the Bénin Republic in the first leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier held in Lomé, Togo.
Rasheedat Ajibade nearly opened scoring early on, as her sixth-minute lob struck the woodwork. The Falcons, however, broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when Deborah Abiodun’s precise through ball found Chiwendu Ihezuo, who calmly slotted home.
Dominating possession, the Falcons kept the Béninoise side largely contained, conceding only a brief chance in the 36th minute before regaining control.
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Abiodun was again instrumental just before half-time, splitting the defence with another incisive pass to Esther Okoronkwo, who doubled Nigeria’s advantage with a composed finish.
Both teams made tactical adjustments in the second half, which saw a slower tempo, but Nigeria maintained defensive discipline to repel late Bénin pressure.
The victory gives the nine-time African champions a strong advantage ahead of the return leg on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.
