The Super Falcons of Nigeria showed class, grit, and attacking precision as they defeated the Benin Amazons 2–0 in Lome, Togo, on Friday evening, taking a firm step toward qualifying for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The reigning African champions were dominant from the first whistle, and it didn’t take long before their quality began to tell. Rasheedat Ajibade nearly opened the scoring in the 6th minute when her clever lob beat the Beninese goalkeeper Ogoun, only to be denied by the crossbar. Two minutes later, Folashade Ijamilusi tested the keeper again, but Ogoun parried away her powerful effort.
Despite Benin’s defensive discipline and compact low-block setup, the Nigerian midfield, marshaled by Deborah Abiodun, kept pressing forward with intent. Their persistence paid off in the 23rd minute when Abiodun sliced through the Amazons’ backline with a perfectly weighted pass to Chinwendu Ihezuo, who calmly slotted home to give Nigeria the deserved lead.
With the goal, Nigeria found their rhythm. The Falcons began to dominate possession, spraying passes across the pitch and stretching Benin’s defensive shape. The Amazons tried to respond through a rare attack in the 36th minute, but goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was alert to deny Moumouni’s attempt from a tight angle.
Just before halftime, the Falcons struck again and it was another moment of brilliance from Abiodun. Her defense-splitting vision found Esther Okoronkwo, who made no mistake in doubling Nigeria’s lead with a composed finish past Ogoun. Benin nearly pulled one back moments later, but Moumouni’s shot hit the post, ensuring the Super Falcons entered the break with a comfortable 2–0 lead.
The second half was more balanced as both coaches made tactical adjustments. The Beninese side tried to push higher up the pitch, but the experienced Nigerian defense, anchored by Osinachi Ohale and Christy Ucheibe, stood firm. The Amazons’ wingers brought pace and energy, yet Nigeria soaked up the pressure and managed the game with maturity.
In the dying minutes, Benin almost found a lifeline when Sadikou rose highest to meet an in-swinging cross, but Nnadozie once again came to Nigeria’s rescue with a brilliant reflex save.
The final whistle confirmed a 2–0 victory for the Super Falcons, a professional and commanding performance that puts them in control ahead of the return leg at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Tuesday.
With two first-half goals, excellent game management, and visible team chemistry, the Super Falcons showed why they remain the continent’s most feared force in women’s football. The result also underlines Nigeria’s attacking depth, with players like Ajibade, Ihezuo, Okoronkwo, and Abiodun stepping up impressively.
As the Falcons prepare for the home leg, fans in Abeokuta and across Nigeria will be hoping for another confident display to seal qualification. The 2026 WAFCON journey has begun brightly and if this dominant showing in Lome is anything to go by, Nigeria’s Super Falcons look ready to conquer Africa once again.
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