Precious Josiah
Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo scored first-half goals to give Nigeria’s Super Falcons a 2-0 win over Bénin Republic in the first leg of their 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture, in Lome, Togo.
The Super Falcons began the game with a fierce approach as Rasheedat Ajibade scored in the 6th minute giving the Amazons goalkeeper a “chip over ” which unluckily heat the woodwork.
Folashade Ijamilusi two minutes later struck at the goal post but Amazon’s keeper, Ogoun denied her the goal.
The Amazons couldn’t hold tight their low block strategy as Deborah Abiodun went through the porous midfield with a pass to Chinwendu ihezou who made sure to put the ball beyond the reach of the Benenise goalkeeper to give the Nigeria the lead in the 23rd minute.
The Super Falcons dominated possession, and Benin’s Amazons created their first scoring chance in the 36th minute when Moumouni beat Osinachi Ohale on the byline and shot at goal, but Chiamaka Nnadozie made a crucial save.
Deborah Abiodun’s precision pass found Esther Okoronkwo, who calmly slotted home Nigeria’s second goal just before halftime. The Super Falcons narrowly avoided conceding late in the first half when Moumouni’s unexpected shot hit the post, maintaining Nigeria’s 2-0 lead.
The second half proved tough for both teams following tactical adjustments and a number of substitutions.
However, Nigeria soaked the pressure better, containing the pace of the Amazon wingers who stepped up with high intensity in their search for goals.
An in-swinger in the 90th minute unsettled the Nigerian defence, leaving Sadikou with a chance to head into the net but her effort was denied by Nnadozie.
The win gives Nigeria the advantage ahead of the second leg to take place at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta on Tuesday.