Nigeria’s Super Falcons began their quest for a place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on a winning note, defeating the Republic of Benin 2–0 in the first leg of their qualifying fixture at the Stade de Kégué on Friday.
The nine-time African champions started brightly, dictating play from the outset and coming close through captain Rasheedat Ajibade, whose powerful effort struck the crossbar in the seventh minute.
Their persistence paid off in the 24th minute when Chinwendu Ihezuo broke the deadlock. The Pachuca forward calmly finished off a fine move after being picked out by a precise pass from Deborah Abiodun.
Nigeria continued to press, pinning the hosts back with relentless attacking play. Their dominance was rewarded again just before half-time when Esther Okoronkwo doubled the advantage, once more with Abiodun providing the assist.
The Super Falcons maintained control throughout the second half, managing the game efficiently to secure a solid first-leg cushion ahead of the return match on home soil.
The victory puts Nigeria’s Super Falcons in a strong position to advance to the next round as they chase another shot at continental glory in the 2026 WAFCON finals.
