Nigerian team, the Super Falcons, secured a 2-0 away win over the Benin Amazons in Togo during their final qualifier for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé.
Gatekeepers News reports that the scoring began in the 24th minute when midfielder Deborah Abiodun set up forward Chinwendu Ihezuo, who lofted the ball past the goalkeeper to open the scoring.
Minutes before half-time, Abiodun again played provider, this time finding Esther Okoronkwo inside the penalty box, and Okoronkwo finished with composure.
Nigeria’s dominance was evident early: within ten minutes, captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s lob hit the crossbar, and a shot from Folashade Ijamilusi was saved by the Benin goalkeeper. The hosts were forced to field the game at a neutral venue because their home stadium did not meet the Confederation of African Football’s standards.
The return leg takes place on Tuesday at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Nigeria, with the winner of the tie advancing to the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco.
The tournament is set for March 17 to April 3, and doubles as part of Africa’s qualification route for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Coach Justine Madugu, speaking ahead of the match, emphasised his team’s ambition to put the tie beyond reach early, even in the absence of injured midfielder Jennifer Echegini.
