Super Falcons shrug Benin aside to kick off road to WAFCON defence

The Super Falcons of Nigeria opened their 2026 WAFCON qualifying campaign with a composed 2–0 victory over Benin Republic in Lomé on Thursday evening, maintaining their winning momentum from their last outing against Morocco.

Goals from Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo ensured Justin Madugu’s side take a comfortable advantage into Tuesday’s reverse fixture in Abeokuta.

It was a performance built on dominance and patience. Nigeria controlled the early tempo, pinned the hosts deep, and repeatedly forced errors. The crossbar denied an early breakthrough, while Benin’s goalkeeper made several alert stops to keep the score level. But pressure eventually told as the Super Falcons continued to stretch the game wide and move the ball with purpose.

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Both goals carried the fingerprints of midfield dynamo Deborah Abiodun, who delivered two precise passes that unlocked the Beninese defence. Her involvement in midfield was crucial, sweeping up danger and driving play forward with maturity beyond her age.

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In the 24th minute, Chinwendu Ihezuo marked her return with a trademark strike, lifting a clever lob beyond the goalkeeper after a pinpoint ball from Abiodun. The Mexico-based striker , who scored twice at WAFCON 2024, once again showed her penalty-box instincts and physical presence up top.

Esther Okoronkwo, nominated for the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, then extended the Super Falcons’ lead two minutes into first-half stoppage time with a composed finish after Abiodun sliced open the defence.

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The AFC Toronto forward continues to rise on the continental stage, having contributed eight goals during the triumphant WAFCON campaign in Morocco last summer, six assists and two goals.

Madugu used the second half to refresh his side, handing Joy Omewa her debut and introducing Asisat Oshoala and Ucheibe to see out the game comfortably. The Super Falcons of Nigeria remain firmly in control of this WAFCON qualifier, knowing a professional performance in Abeokuta will seal their place in the next round.