Chijioke Gabriel
Nigeria’s Super Falcons once again proved why they remain Africa’s undisputed queens of football after cruising to a commanding 2–0 victory over the Amazons of Benin Republic in the first leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier on Friday night in Lomé.
The match, played at the Stade de Kégué, was a thrilling display of power, pace, and precision as the 10-time African champions dictated play from the blast of the whistle.
After just seven minutes, captain Rasheedat Ajibade almost put Nigeria ahead when her audacious shot rattled the crossbar, drawing gasps from the crowd. Moments later, young sensation Folashade Ijamilusi was denied by a desperate clearance from the Beninese defence — a sign that the Super Falcons meant business.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 24th minute, when striker Chiwendu Ihezuo displayed her trademark composure, lifting the ball beautifully over the Benin goalkeeper after a pin-point pass from midfield maestro Deborah Abiodun. The goal settled early nerves and reignited the Falcons’ attacking rhythm.
Benin’s best chance of the half came in the 35th minute, but Nigerian shot-stopper Chiamaka Nnadozie produced a world-class save to preserve her side’s lead.
Nigeria’s dominance was rewarded once more just before halftime as Esther Okoronkwo coolly slotted home the second goal — again from an Abiodun assist — sealing what would be a comfortable cushion going into the break.
Though the second half produced no further goals, the Super Falcons maintained total control, frustrating the hosts with disciplined defending and slick midfield transitions. Ihezuo and Ajibade came close to adding a third, but the Amazons’ goalkeeper pulled off brave stops to keep the scoreline respectable.
With this result, the Super Falcons take a firm advantage into the return leg scheduled for Tuesday at the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, where they are expected to finish the job and book their place in the next round of the WAFCON qualifiers.
Head coach Justin Madugu praised his players for their focus and tactical discipline, while assuring fans that there would be no room for complacency in the second leg.
“We respect Benin Republic, but our objective is clear — qualification. We’ll keep pushing until it’s done,” Madugu said after the match.
The victory extends Nigeria’s impressive unbeaten run in WAFCON qualifiers and sends a strong message to their continental rivals that the reigning champions are not ready to relinquish their crown anytime soon.