Super Falcons Humble Benin at Home, Secure 2-0 First-Leg Win in WAFCON Qualifier

The Super Falcons of Nigeria took a commanding step toward qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after securing a 2–0 victory over the Benin Republic Amazons in the first leg of their final qualifying round on Friday evening at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé.

Goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo in the first half were enough to hand the nine-time African champions a well-deserved advantage ahead of the return fixture in Nigeria next week.

Ihezuo opened scoring midway through the first half, finishing off a slick team move that highlighted Nigeria’s attacking dominance. Minutes later, Okoronkwo doubled the lead with a composed strike from close range, putting the Falcons firmly in control before halftime.

Despite Benin’s spirited attempts to fight back after the break, the Falcons maintained their defensive discipline, with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie making a crucial save late in the second half to preserve Nigeria’s clean sheet.

The victory marks a strong start for Coach Randy Waldrum’s side, who are aiming not only to book their place in the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco but also to reaffirm their dominance on the African stage following their impressive showing at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria will host the return leg on Tuesday, with the aggregate winner booking a place in the continental showpiece.

The Falcons, who have won the WAFCON title a record nine times, will look to finish the job in front of their home fans.